tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10761314306887606582024-03-05T10:37:41.483-08:00Bristol UnitariansExploring spirituality in community, searching for meaning together...markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-64626780958943570802013-09-16T09:06:00.008-07:002023-10-04T13:14:22.820-07:00Welcome to Bristol Unitarians<div style="text-align: center;">
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Exploring Spirituality in Community! </h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from Frenchay Chapel, photo by Ian Jones</td></tr>
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A Two-Hundred year old tradition with its roots in Christianity and its modern practice in: </h3>
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<li>Multi-faith learning</li>
<li>Exploring your own spiritual path</li>
<li>Free thinking</li>
<li>Dissent and social justice</li>
<li>Unbound by creed, doctrine, belief or dogma</li>
<li>United in a search for truth, however it may reveal itself</li>
<li>Values of kindness and celebrating diversity</li>
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Fun fact: <i>The name 'Unitarian' comes from the belief of the original founders of the movement, about the 'oneness' of God, as opposed to God being the Holy Trinity, as was taught by the mainstream church.</i><div>
<i>Nowadays this issue does not define the Unitarian movement, as you can be free to believe that God is one, two, three, four, five, any number that makes sense to you, or no number at all!</i></div>
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Pioneers in women's ministry and celebrating same-sex relationships!</h3>
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First Church in England to ordain a woman minister in 1904!!!</div>
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Come and have your same-sex marriage in one of our Bristol chapels! Both chapels fully registered!</div><h3>
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When do we meet?<br />
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Sundays at 10.30am for an hour Gathering at Frenchay Chapel, Beckspool Road, Frenchay Common, Bristol, BS16 1ND</div>
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<div>5pm on 2nd and 4th Sunday of the monthly only at Unitarian Meeting Hall, Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE</div>
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What happens at our gatherings?</h3>
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<div>We gathering for services of reflection, prayer, meditation, inspiration, learning, sharing of joys and concerns, story and song. </div>
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We have our own Unitarian hymn books, with many tunes you might recognise, but with words which reflect the Unitarian approach to open-minded and -hearted spiritual enquiry. </div>
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Please feel free to stay afterwards for tea, coffee and chat. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frenchay Chapel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Unitarian Meeting Bristol</span></td></tr>
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For further details and listings of other events see <a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/services-events-meetings.html">services and events</a> listings.</div>
markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-72209792113781301712013-09-16T09:05:00.000-07:002024-01-27T09:16:29.770-08:00About<p> </p><h1 style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Bristol and Frenchay Unitarians</h1><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">We are pleased you have found us.</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are small but busy loving community. Welcome if you are coming to us for the first time, and welcome still if you are visiting once or again. We’d like to let you know that our doors are open as you look to explore faith, spirituality, religion and belief. Welcome to you if have come from another faith tradition or from no faith tradition at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bristol and Frenchay Unitarian community has two places of meeting: our inner city meeting just off the city centre, and our rural chapel situated in the beautiful surroundings of Frenchay Common and the picturesque Village of Frenchay, just outside of Bristol.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We as Unitarians believe that there is a search for the meaning of the divine, and that we seek the divine in all people together as we search for the answers. Here in our Unitarian community we are not a dogmatic or prescriptive faith. We search in a way best understood by you, and we welcome each other’s questions and hold in sacred value all that we find together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here is what we have open to you - not only do we have a Sunday form of gathering and worship - we have a little more than that, with the hope that all will feel that they can grow in religious and spiritual dignity.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have a monthly in-person and on-line engagement group exploring spirituality, this is called the Rainbow Path. In this time together we hold a sacred space of enquiry and peace. We talk as a group about all that matters. This is led by two facilitators and a variety of co-leaders from both of our gatherings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We believe that creating a time and space that is different and accessible from what we have on a Sunday is important for the growth of people, so we can broaden our spiritual realties. We also have a programme of different gatherings led by people from both of our meeting places. Whether it’s a discussion group, yoga, meditation or times of ritual and celebration from other traditions, we have something for you, we hope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We also have an annual retreat in the beautiful and picturesque surroundings of the Llangasty Retreat Centre in South Wales. This is also led by facilitators from both our gatherings. We believe safe sacred space is important in all that our community is and can be, as we search for meaning together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At Bristol Unitarians we believe everyone has a unique voice and a special vision. We are all different ages and backgrounds and all are welcome.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>The leaders of the sessions are experienced people who have not only been in the community for a long time, but some our members are also facilitators as part of their paid work and from teaching backgrounds within education.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Some have come from other faith denominations and some from a ministry background.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>We have an inclusive ministry whereby we believe in embracing and nurturing faith one to another and being there to sow and cultivate a place of sacred hospitality.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>We are proud to a place where we celebrate same-sex union.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>We also have national events that are held around the country, where many congregations meet at an annual conference called the General Assembly. We have various meetings in different regions too. Our communities are part of the Southwest Region, known at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Western-Unitarians/100068110639280/" target="_blank">The Western Union</a> (nothing to do with money transfers).</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>We also have a national Unitarian Conference Centre in Derbyshire called the Nightingale Centre. One annual event which takes place here is the Unitarian Summer School, which is a week of sacred community and engagement in a conference setting. We gather there together in an environment that is crafted to foster exploration and discussion in faith and belief. The conference centre is set in the picturesque countryside village of Great Hucklow in the Derbyshire Peak District.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Our governance</h2><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h4><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Unitarians as a group</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The group is a joint committee of representatives from both meetings. All our meetings are open to observers. These meetings are part of the formal business aspect of finances, forward planning and the growth or our community and worship.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h4><h3 style="text-align: justify;">The chapels as individual meetings</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unitarian meeting Bristol and Frenchay Chapel are two separate charities. Therefore, we have several meetings during the year as we are a charity and handle money. Both charities are registered with the Charity Commission. Our accounts are published and submitted to the Commission.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both chapels have a Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. This is a legal requirement to satisfy our charitable status . This doesn’t represent a hierarchy.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h4><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Trustees</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have a committee of trustees for both chapel buildings. Having trustees is part of the Charity Commission requirements. The trustees are there to ensure the buildings are kept up and maintained, kept in a safe state of repair and are kept in keeping with their listed status. This is also supervised where needed by English Heritage.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><br /></h4><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Chapel Committees</h3><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Both chapels have a committee to ensure the general running of the meeting and to oversee finances and guide the growth of the congregation, its worship, and its spiritual learning and development.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: justify;">Safeguarding</h3><div style="text-align: justify;">We have a safeguarding contact in both congregations. If there was a concern, they are the point of contact.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Our Worship and Music</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First and foremost we do not have a creedal or denominational practice, therefore we do not have a Vicar, Priest, Deacon or Bishop. We are a non-hierarchical community.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have a gathering (service) every Sunday morning at 10:30am at Frenchay and on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the month at 5pm at Unitarian Meeting Bristol (also known as UMB). Our gatherings (services) are not like a traditional Christian service or Mass. At Unitarians this is where we differ - our gatherings are usually taken on a theme for instance “stepping through faith – living in truth.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This will be assembled by the leader for worship that day and might contain material from other faith traditions, and include a unitarian insight to make it tangible. Our gatherings (services) are taken by congregational members, visiting worship leaders from the region, or a current or retired Unitarian Minister. There are occasions where we have visiting speakers from other denominations, schools of thought and faith traditions too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have two hymn books: <a href="https://www.unitarian.org.uk/shop/hymns-for-living/" target="_blank">Hymns for Living</a> and <a href="https://www.unitarian.org.uk/shop/sing-your-faith/" target="_blank">Sing your Faith</a>. This is where we differ again - our hymn books contain a rich variety of Unitarian theology through song, as well as hymns from other faith traditions. They explore a variety of subjects, looking, for example, at nature and humanity. What might be familiar is the tunes - some will be familiar form schooldays or where you may have been to church before. Many of our hymns also have their own original tunes though. We have a variety sung responses, gathering chants and introits. These may be used every so often. We also have some music composed and hymns written in-house.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;">Engagement and discussion groups</h2><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Growth is something that is important to us. As mentioned above, there are separate times to Sunday worship throughout the month when various groups, which are led by members, help us to grow in our individual spiritual explorations as well as together as community. These groups will usually focus on a subject as a theme, for example “how does nature speak with us and our faith?”. Engagement groups are another way to connect with each other, and it is also a space for people to meet who cannot make or do not come to Sunday worship. It is important to us that us that we create and cultivate a place where all can access joining in community.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These times of meeting are held in a safe and gentle way, where you take part in as much or as little as feels comfortable. All of these are announced in the weekly email.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i>Text for this page was kindly written by our UMB Chair Karl Stewart, January 2024.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-33116456738716604462013-09-15T04:07:00.000-07:002013-10-22T10:01:24.323-07:00Services, Events, Meetings<br />
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Click on individual events for further details!<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?showTitle=0&showNav=0&showDate=0&showPrint=0&showTabs=0&showCalendars=0&showTz=0&mode=AGENDA&height=600&wkst=1&bgcolor=%236666cc&src=7lpatspu1n9g9oocm1225fksfc%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%2323164E&ctz=Europe%2FLondon" style="border: solid 1px #777;" width="500"></iframe>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-55242380749950872772013-09-14T07:09:00.000-07:002013-10-06T05:51:15.176-07:00Unitarian beliefs<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>We believe that:</strong> </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">everyone has the right to <strong>seek</strong> <strong>truth</strong> and <strong>meaning</strong> for themselves.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the fundamental tools for doing this are your own<strong> life experience</strong>, your <strong>reflection</strong> upon it, your<strong> intuitive understanding</strong> and the promptings of your own conscience.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the best setting for this is a <strong>community</strong> that welcomes you for who you are, complete with your beliefs, doubts and questions.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>We can be called religious ‘liberals’</strong>: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><em>religious</em> because we unite to<strong> celebrate</strong> and <strong>affirm </strong>values that embrace and reflect a <strong>greater reality than self</strong>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><em>liberal</em> because we claim <strong>no exclusive revelation or status </strong>for ourselves; because we afford <strong>respect</strong> and <strong>toleration</strong> to those who follow <strong>different paths</strong> of faith.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong>We are called ‘Unitarians’</strong>: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">because of our traditional insistence on <strong>divine unity</strong>, the oneness of God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">because we affirm the <strong>essential unity</strong> of humankind and of creation.</span></li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-34418061926643237362013-09-13T07:06:00.006-07:002024-01-27T09:21:20.233-08:00How to contact / find us and hire spaces<h2>
Frenchay Chapel </h2>
Beckspool Rd, Frenchay Common, Bristol, BS16 1ND<br />
Services 10.30 am every Sunday<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XpMV0yNGJvLXGU9iwq2iJBLEmRyZv6R-PTPSg92sJfXQliDaZ_BJBr8EuLRDlzOVhPM0w_nDHDL4TR4YCqeZxcAqVyHS4E9PYQsBBOAfhopIWrYgTws0B-Az3dG-8sjiQX61Ha2a5es/s1600/DSC00929.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285208713095961986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XpMV0yNGJvLXGU9iwq2iJBLEmRyZv6R-PTPSg92sJfXQliDaZ_BJBr8EuLRDlzOVhPM0w_nDHDL4TR4YCqeZxcAqVyHS4E9PYQsBBOAfhopIWrYgTws0B-Az3dG-8sjiQX61Ha2a5es/s200/DSC00929.JPG" style="height: 150px; width: 200px;" /></a><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=BS16+1ND&aq=&sll=51.46062,-2.587694&sspn=0.007407,0.013797&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Frenchay,+BS16+1ND,+United+Kingdom&t=m&ll=51.496561,-2.519646&spn=0.008015,0.012875&z=15&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="250"></iframe></div>
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<small><span style="text-align: start;">Frenchay Chapel location map </span><a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=BS16+1ND&aq=&sll=51.46062,-2.587694&sspn=0.007407,0.013797&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Frenchay,+BS16+1ND,+United+Kingdom&t=m&ll=51.496561,-2.519646&spn=0.008015,0.012875&z=15&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a> </small></div></div><div>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">Frenchay Bookings: </span>peter.a.bruce@gmail.com</p><h2>
Unitarian Meeting </h2>
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Brunswick Square, Bristol, BS2 8PE</div><div><br /></div><div>Service at 5pm on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Jwot6YodzQPTPeGr8Fdup_JMqSB4Z_5DFN8ktJoMRG3hby7LMMXFmtyyM7X7tUv-ypMcRRcXDhmk3UWvz9lSr8KUTEeh0K6fJ7NaKDZHMvIELLOqviQXdHVwXT6SlT-XG1eceQnEsA/s1600/umb1-small.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Unitarian Meeting Bristol" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125253672751196722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75Jwot6YodzQPTPeGr8Fdup_JMqSB4Z_5DFN8ktJoMRG3hby7LMMXFmtyyM7X7tUv-ypMcRRcXDhmk3UWvz9lSr8KUTEeh0K6fJ7NaKDZHMvIELLOqviQXdHVwXT6SlT-XG1eceQnEsA/s200/umb1-small.jpg" /></a><iframe frameborder="0" height="300" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=BS2+8PE&aq=&sll=51.454318,-2.657146&sspn=0.118522,0.220757&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bristol+BS2+8PE,+United+Kingdom&t=m&ll=51.460612,-2.587709&spn=0.008022,0.012875&z=15&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="250"></iframe></div>
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"><small><span style="text-align: start;">Brunswick Square location map </span><a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=BS2+8PE&aq=&sll=51.454318,-2.657146&sspn=0.118522,0.220757&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Bristol+BS2+8PE,+United+Kingdom&t=m&ll=51.460612,-2.587709&spn=0.008022,0.012875&z=15&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></div>
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To hire contact our Property and Lettings Manager, Charlotte Lang, on charlottelang.uk@gmail.com.<br /><br /></div>
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Funerals, Weddings, Christening, Naming Ceremonies, Pastoral Care</h2>
<div>For Frenchay Chapel please contact Peter Bruce on 07527 118586</div><div>For Unitarian Meeting, Brunswick Square please contact Karl Stewart on 07806 954 690</div>
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General Enquiries: <a href="mailto:info@bristolunitarians.co.uk">info@bristolunitarians.co.uk</a><br />
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Find us on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bristolunitarians">https://www.facebook.com/bristolunitarians</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-90177635133765897022013-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:002019-02-24T05:22:06.628-08:00Weddings and ceremonies<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Weddings and Civil Partnerships</h3>
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BOTH CHAPELS ARE NOW FULLY REGISTERED TO CONDUCT SAME-SEX WEDDINGS AND CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS </div>
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Without the need for a separate civil ceremony.</div>
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Today more and more couples want to make both a civil and spiritual commitment to each other on their wedding day. This includes couples of the same gender, those who have been married before, couples who come from two different faith traditions, or who do not belong to a religious institution.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50841708@N00/408909320/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzay7Op5u85B0JDukTmxTgdEmYfwRyITMoNg9LqG7aDGDMFF7OXQYgq9qGJeDN5PNoRmW48167MxNfoyV1XwRxf83EoWEsDusNlkouMueH2okhAcgzZ7gicfDV9bitSfULY9OtACcW3g/s400/wedding-rings-by-firemedic58.jpg" /></a> The Unitarian approach to marriage and religious beliefs may be able to help those who want more than a civil ceremony. We believe that there are many sources of truth, and that no-one has the right to impose their beliefs on another. We respect other faith traditions and gain enrichment from their literature and wisdom. We know that many people do not belong to any particular faith, but are following their own spiritual path.<br />
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We feel that it is important that there should be a place where couples can celebrate their union within their local community. Our chapel is steeped in local history, as it is one of the oldest in the area. This adds to the value of the occasion.<br />
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A marriage ceremony is a very personal thing, and should reflect and express what is significant and important to the couple. The couple can gain a lot by planning the ceremony with the minister. There is very little about a wedding ceremony that is required by law, so it's a wonderful opportunity to be creative with words and music. It can be a very individual occasion as well as including time-honoured traditions.<br />
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Please get in touch via the website if you wish to consider a wedding or if you want more information.<br />
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Otherwise you are welcome to attend any of our services.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVwb0kW-25aO_qLo2_R-e7RjEHMblKenvC0RZaKwY9IeDeiyj6s-3aiJ4WpB1voVAV5P1QdJMzQhPcfMsUtDPegOBPCWB5JAt4ohjjWzNQx3ppLGJhRJuh4kmE5XEW6J1B1ebYcXVD8ZG/s1600/KARL+%2526+MARK-148.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVwb0kW-25aO_qLo2_R-e7RjEHMblKenvC0RZaKwY9IeDeiyj6s-3aiJ4WpB1voVAV5P1QdJMzQhPcfMsUtDPegOBPCWB5JAt4ohjjWzNQx3ppLGJhRJuh4kmE5XEW6J1B1ebYcXVD8ZG/s320/KARL+%2526+MARK-148.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Karl and Mark's Wedding / Civil Partnership at UMB, 13.7.2013, with Frenchay Congregation </span></td></tr>
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Funerals</div>
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A Unitarian funeral is always dignified and fitting. We work hard to create a service that reflects and celebrates the life of the person. When planning such services, we will not impose any set liturgy and will make certain that you are happy with the form that the service will take.</div>
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Baptisms and Child Naming</h3>
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A meaningful welcome to any new additions to your family!<br />
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Photos kindly provided by Vicky from her wedding at Frenchay Chapel in 2017</h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-51644626225613430252013-09-12T16:02:00.076-07:002021-10-06T12:00:49.496-07:00News<h1 style="text-align: center;">Regular Service and Events Pattern</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For all online services and events on Zoom, please </i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>apply to</i> <i>info@bristolunitarians.co.uk for Zoom joining details.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">1st Sunday in the month: </u></h3><div><br /></div><div>10:30am Service in person at Frenchay Chapel </div><div><br /></div><div>5pm Service in peron at UMB (Brunswick Square)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><h3><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">1st Saturday in the month: </u></h3></div><div>2-4pm 'Divine Witterings' cafe-style discussion group at UMB (Brunswick Square)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">2nd Sunday in the month: </u></h3><div><br /></div><div>10:30am Service in person at Frenchay Chapel </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">3rd Sunday in the month:</u></h3><div><br /></div><div>10:30am Service in person at Frenchay Chapel </div><div><br /></div><div>2-:3:30pm Bright Lights all-age gathering on Zoom only</div><div><br /></div><div>5pm Service in peron at UMB (Brunswick Square)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">3rd Thursday in the month:</u></h3><div><br /></div><div>7-8:30pm on Zoom / at Frenchay Chapel (alternating months): The Rainbow Path, our monthly adult spirituality engagement group</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">4th Sunday in the month:</u></h3><div><br /></div><div>10:30am Service in person at Frenchay Chapel </div><div><br /></div><div>5pm at UMB (Brunswick Square): Breath-focused Mindfulness Meditation and Sacred Readings from world traditions</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h3><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">4th Wednesday in the month:</u></h3><div><br /></div><div>7-8pm Service on Zoom only</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><u style="background-color: #4c1130;">5th Sunday in the month (when they occur): </u></h3><div><br /></div><div>10:30am Service in person at Frenchay Chapel</div><div><br /></div><div>5pm in peron at UMB (Brunswick Square)</div><div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;">News</h1></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/uk-unitarians-annual-general-meetings.html">UK Unitarian Annual General Meetings report</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;">Peter Wildman</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: center;">Early Spring Newsletter</h1><h2 style="text-align: center;">From the Desk</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Is it spring yet? Well not so you’d think, but again there are daffodils. I saw some in January - the seasons have taken to following no rule, rhyme or reason. We had a quick sprinkle of snow, a frosty morning or several and a good few downpours.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although the cycle of the seasons is so familiar to us, I wonder if there’s something new we can discover in the morphing of each season into the next. Every winter tells a new story, as it connects to a new story within us, each time it comes around. With the return of each season, there will always been new facets it brings out in us, new things for us to learn, a new lesson in each day of the season and some new delight for us to discover.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m looking forward to slowly returning to the time we can gather again and hopefully it isn’t too far off. Although we are only meeting and seeing one another on screens at the moment, we can still gather the spirit together in community.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It’s a real blessing that we can join others in meeting, and we can welcome others from different places around the region and the country. Looking forward I hope we’ll continue making of all our sacred travels, and meeting together to make a real tapestry of exploration and growth, to welcome the new.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you all for all you have done to keep us walking in the light.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yours with care.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Karl Stewart. Chair UMB.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Reflecting on Lent.</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><i>From Karl.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking at Lent probably changes its perspective, something I find myself looking back at is the basic teaching of what it was, as taught in school perhaps even Sunday School. We may well know form this earlier lesson, being told of the story of Jesus in the wilderness; knowing the tale of the searching, watching and waiting; knowing the anguish that Jesus went through. This of course is just one example of a wilderness teaching. Though I don’t particularly feel that this the only literal example, there are of course many different perspectives in the many faiths around the world; and those that don’t mark it may have an acceptance that it is part of a journey for others.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking at Lent the sole ritual is sacrifice, this surrender to allowing the strength somewhere within oneself to say I’ll go without this, change that, abstain from. We will have heard many times the question, “what are you going to give up for Lent”? It’s a question that will never cease to be uttered, nor shall it change how ever many times one hears it. But with that does the tone of the question change depending who asks it. I can honestly say, I’ve been asked this by people with a tone of proud glee. To which I’ve often replied, well what are you going start for Lent. It’s with that I feel that we actually do start something, for Lent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One perspective on the sacrifice of the thing or things you give up, could be that it’s a time to stand aside and look at a part of your being, that you have cultivated for the ritual forty day and nights. There is a stripping back of a small patch of soul that you have weeded, raked over, taken out those small bulbs of nice bits. These little things that are going to sit aside, whilst you take this journey without into the wilderness. For the ritual forty days and nights watching and waiting, on this body holiday. This is a time to at least say I may have this for these days ahead, but while look inside at the wilderness, I can meet the many to will come from all the paths, and meet to replant the sacred.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As we travel Lent together in the way of all we feel and believe, let it be that we all rejoin and greet Easter together and celebrate the newness of the field and all that will grow together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">A prayer for Lent.</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loving God of all creation cool for us the ashes, and anoint the soles of our feet, so that we may walk together. As we travel the journey that all our sacred foot prints will be those that meet together again. May they never fade. Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">From our Minister John.</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;">In memoriam.<br />Mary Cowley.<br />01.06.43-31.01.21.</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our very dear friend and member of Frenchay Chapel. Mary Cowley passed away on Sunday the 31st January. During the past five years Mary and Colin attended the Chapel and UMB. It is with much appreciation for everything, Mary did in her time as secretary, leading worship and the work she as a session leader to the Rainbow Path group. May we give thanks for the last five years of Mary exploring with great courage and question, in the exploration of faith as she spent it with us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our condolences to Colin and the family at this sad time. Colin would greatly appreciate a phone call, any offers of help are also welcome. The phone Number is: (0117) 239 0735.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">A little wooden house</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">A 'Hygge' meditation by Karl Stewart</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's a dark day in knotty tree wood.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it's chilly, cold and wet I'm off to my little wooden House. I've been out walking in all directions, but now it's time to rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter comes and goes, there's a little fire place in there with a stone hearth ready and waiting with the wood I collected in summer.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm off to my little wooden House to stay warm and rest a little, I'll know I'm on the way. I'll know it when I see it there's a little candle lamp in the window.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On my way to the little wooden House the light of the fallen snow lights the way. As the sun goes down over knotty tree wood, the snowy white light, is soft and still. It lights my path to the little wooden House.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the fire is going to light and warm the heart of the home that loves you, me and all in this world. Bless this little wooden House.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Joy to the World with verses written by attendees at Bristol Unitarians Rainbow Path 17.12.2020</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbaPWVtgQv4" width="320" youtube-src-id="bbaPWVtgQv4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Jennifer Nicholson</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy to the Earth, we're still alive!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When all was looking grim</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've dug down deep,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">we've faced our fears…</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now it's time to shine!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now it's time to live!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now, oh now ... it's time to love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Peter Bruce</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy to all living, upon this earth</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are all... from the... same source</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We eat and drink and sleep,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We dance and play and laugh</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let all enjoin in our space</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let all enjoin in our space</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let all…. enjoy our peace and space.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anna Sweetham</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy to the World, a new day dawns,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This virus has done its work.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With pain and loss</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And suffering</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's look at life afresh,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's look at life afresh</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's see... how love has helped us through</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>John Harley</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy to all those in leadership</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Politicians, kings and queens</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">may they not….</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Forget... our children</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's give them space to grow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's give them space to grow</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's give them space to grow and thrive</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Karl Stewart</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy grace and light, the day is new.</div><div style="text-align: center;">May…. we all... give thanks,</div><div style="text-align: center;">As we step</div><div style="text-align: center;">the journey,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wondering the path ahead,</div><div style="text-align: center;">wandering the path ahead,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seeking truth and joy and love this day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mark Stewart</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy to the world, take a deep breath</div><div style="text-align: center;">Step back and look around</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are safe and sound</div><div style="text-align: center;">In this moment now</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your fear has flown away</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your shackles on the ground</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jump for joy for true freedom you have found</div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>Christmas Tree Dressing Video </b></h1><p></p></div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><b>at Brunswick Square (UMB)</b></h1><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b>By Karl Stewart with Mark Stewart, December 2020</b></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jfKFl6o2SeU" width="483" youtube-src-id="jfKFl6o2SeU"></iframe></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">From The Desk</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Karl Stewart, Chair Bristol Unitarian Meeting </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dear all,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have this year seen many dramatic changes; some we’d never even thought possible. We have been faced with having to make many unforeseen decisions, taken many different navigations, listened to a lot of new information on things we probably would have ever envisaged knowing. For us all in our Unitarian communities and church families we will have been challenged by the twists and turns of all the realities this year has brought us. Speaking for myself, it’s somehow allowed me a treasury of strengths that were unknown to me. That said, there has amid this been not only for me, but all of us, a type of grief. I’m considering this in what has been called National Grief Week, this of course is a week that looks at how we process that very emotion. This on the one hand may be a “lets give something else a title – as if things don’t have enough titles already moment” type of scenario - grief is never confined to just one week. However, by calling grief by its name, it at least gives grief a space to be just what it is, although we know that grief lays in all our lives and in all our days, as many of you will know only too well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So here we are just approaching Christmas and on our way through the Advent season, leading to the birth of the child in the stable, a story told a number of ways, and spoken in many languages: the familiar story of Christmas or Yule. As we enter the festival days I hope that we can make all of the days special, and still filled with the meaning of what they are for you. We have been taken en-route through a change or two this year. However, I believe we will rekindle as we did before, within the light of the sacred flame that keeps us joined. Let it be so that the flame will be the strength it was and will be stronger still, while love continues to be the beacon of hospitality we all share in gratitude with each other.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we wait in the shadows of hope, may we walk each step in compassion with ourselves and one another. As we journey on the path to the stable so bare, I hope we will see the candle flame to bring us together when we are miles off, to that open door. When we meet again may we see one another through the divinity of all that’s beyond our knowing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all a good and soul-filled Christmas, with peace as we replant the sacred.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yours with love and care.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Karl Stewart, Bristol Unitarians.</div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Waiting... </h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rev. Lindy Latham, December 2020</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the season of anticipation, </i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>of expecting, of hoping, of wanting. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the time of expecting the arrival </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>of something – or someone. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We are waiting..... </i></div></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was working in a Day Centre for people with disabilities, I asked a group of older members what they spent most of their time doing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“Waiting” replied Peggy. “Waiting for the bus to bring me here, waiting for my dinner, waiting for the phone to ring, waiting for my friend to pop round.”</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The memory of Peggy's words have come to me several times recently. They were not said with any kind of resentment...more of a calm acceptance that that was how things were for her.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many of us now are experiencing a deeper and longer sense of waiting than we usually do in this time of Advent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So what are we waiting for?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What is the world waiting for?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Christian focus is of course waiting for the coming of the Saviour, Mary was waiting for the birth of Jesus..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...and with all these kinds of waiting, there is a sense of unknowing..</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bus might not come, our friends might not phone, and possibly more powerfully for all of us at the moment, we don't know for sure about the availability and efficacy of the much longed for vaccine for Covid 19.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime we are left waiting in a state of uncertainty, but this space also gives us an opportunity to reflect on what matters most of all to us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a world which might know true justice,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a lasting sense of peace,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">respite and renewal</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Waiting for a sense of hope</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For all of this – we are waiting.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With love, Lindy </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Words in italics by Universalist Unitarian minister Leslie Takahashi [adapted]</i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Don’t surrender your loneliness so quickly </h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Rev. John Harley, December 2020</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Loneliness has been in the headlines recently. I spotted an article on the BBC News website: ‘Lockdown loneliness reaches record levels’ – it explored the experience of isolation many people have been feeling during the pandemic lockdowns. This hardship is now being intensified by the darker evenings and colder weather and added to this we have heard the scaremongering claims of this Christmas being cancelled! I know that some people within our congregations have been struggling with a sense of isolation and solitude over these strange, stressful months. In the first lockdown I certainly had some moments of renewal but also some difficult times of overwhelm and exhaustion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The truth is that whatever the state of the restrictions and whichever tier we find ourselves in, the spirit of Christmas and Hanukkah can never be postponed. The heart of these festivals does not depend on shops being open or even physical journeys being made. The warm glow of Christmas celebrates the intimacy and love at the centre of the human experience when faced with poverty and darkness. We can get into contact with one another and reach out despite distances and disappointments. Hanukkah is the festival of lights for Jewish people who remember the miracle of hope and freedom in a time of threat and fear. Perhaps we are invited to rediscover the spiritual riches at the heart of these festivals in these recent challenging times. Can the Covid restrictions on partying and travelling and limits on the commercialisation of this festive period bring some of us closer to the profound and magical core of these ancient celebrations and rituals?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And maybe even loneliness itself can bring us gifts if we are brave enough not to run away from it but see what lessons can be learned. Hafiz, the Persian poet and mystic from the Fourteenth century wrote:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't surrender your loneliness</div><div style="text-align: center;">So quickly.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let it cut more deep.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let it ferment and season you</div><div style="text-align: center;">As few human</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or even divine ingredients can.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Something missing in my heart tonight</div><div style="text-align: center;">Has made my eyes so soft,</div><div style="text-align: center;">My voice</div><div style="text-align: center;">So tender,</div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My need of God</div><div style="text-align: center;">Absolutely</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">At Frenchay and UMB we will certainly not be cancelling Christmas or any of the other winter festivals. We may have to approach these festivals differently though and we may even get fresh insights into their true meaning and value. Wishing you all flickers of gold and light in these winter months of uncertainty. Happy Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter Solstice!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With blessings and cheer</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">John</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">What matters most </h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mark Stewart, December 2020</i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For our Bristol Unitarians retreat weekend this year, if it had gone ahead, we were going to have spent some time considering the question ‘what matters most?’</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In planning for the retreat we talked about the ways in which the pandemic had forced us all to strip life back to its essentials, and how it had brought into sharp focus the things that really matter to us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As we approach the end of the year, at the darkest time of the year, it’s a time when we traditionally reflect on the past twelve months, giving rise to new year’s resolutions, or catching up with people we might not have spoken to since last Christmas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So along with the usual reflecting we do around this time of year, we have perhaps been particularly reflecting on with the way that Covid has affected so many parts of our lives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So what matters most?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The first thing that comes to my mind is FOOD! The strangeness of queueing down the side of Aldi, keeping two metres apart. Whilst everything else was shutting down, the supermarkets remained open. And that reminded me of Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’. The most basic needs of keeping body and soul together are towards the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid: food, water, air, warmth, sleep, shelter and health. These were the things that suddenly became our priorities.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We quickly learnt what didn’t matter as much: education, employment, travel, leisure, socialising, entertainment and even religion! These were the things we had to give up in service to the basic needs of life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And many of us rediscovered some of the things that mattered that we’d forgotten about: spending time in nature, going for walks, a slower pace of life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But as the pandemic restrictions rolled on, more and more we began to find that some of the ‘higher’ needs mattered as much as the ‘lower’ ones: the need to spend time with friends, to hug and shake hands, to be able to move around freely, to be able to congregate and celebrate. Loneliness and mental health issues have definitely increased because of the pandemic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So in this time of reflection, I’m asking myself, what really does matter most from the ‘lower’ and the ‘higher’ needs. What can we do without and what have we realised we really do need?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I often think of our nomadic tribal ancestors. What did they manage with? What was essential to their lives?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Could we live without an economic system that isn’t dependent on climate-crisis fuelling consumerism? Could we live without the need to feel busy, important and stressed out all of the time? Could we embrace scientific and technological innovation without turning ourselves into slave-drones and destroying the planet? Can we have aspirations and strive for goals, without turning everything into a competition and treading on each other?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can we return to the simplicity and essentialism of a nomadic, tribal, ‘travel light’ existence, and yet still find purpose and meaning in life? I hope so. So may it be!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h2><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;">November 2020</span></i></h2></div><div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Bristol Unitarians Strategy Group</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><u><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Volunteers required for new Strategy Group to evaluate Frenchay and UMB congregation's vision, strengths and goals</u></div></u><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are in changing times so aim to review our plans. We will be following and exploring a model for congregational development created by John Bates, a Unitarian based at New Unity, London. This model is being followed by a number of Unitarian congregations around the country. Our strategy group will be facilitated by Peter Bruce and will be covered in around 4 zoom meetings each one lasting 90 minutes. The group will then present some proposals and action points for both congregations to take up in their own time and in their own way. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to take part in this strategy working group please let Peter know on <a href="mailto:peter.a.bruce@gmail.com">peter.a.bruce@gmail.com</a> or 07527118586 if you want to talk about what's needed - we are looking for around 6 people representing the diversity of our congregations. We will then find an evening slot that all of us can attend.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Many Thanks,</div><div style="text-align: center;">John Harley, Mark Stewart, Angela Bufton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Wednesday Check-In's and Candle Lighting</h1><div style="text-align: center;">Usually 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in the month, 7-8pm on Zoom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;">(Apply to info@bristolunitarians.co.uk for Zoom joining details).</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharing news, lighting candles of joy and concern, caring for each other as community. All welcome!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;">October 2020</span></i></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;"><br /></span></i></div><div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Reset The Debt</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Request from our member Paul Wheeler to forward this to our membership and publish here on our website.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reset The Debt is a united call from several UK church organisations for the Government to set up a fund to pay off debts that low income families have been driven in to as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. This would be a practical way for the Government to help those whose lives have been most severely worsened by the lockdown and ongoing restrictions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Those who support this call are invited to email their MP. The Reset The Debt website provides a template email, which can be amended if desired.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="text-align: center;">Click here to see the website: </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#" style="text-align: center;">Reset The Debt</a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paul</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">An Autumn Poem</h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ay29f_jE_9M" width="320" youtube-src-id="ay29f_jE_9M"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Written by Karl Stewart, 1/10/2020</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here in Autumn's waking </div><div style="text-align: center;">This new and familiar season is born, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Returning as it did last year, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Putting to rest the exhausted branches of Summer's leaves, </div><div style="text-align: center;">So strong, the trees holding.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new day</div><div style="text-align: center;">Again and again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just as the sun rises as it's able, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the houses and office blocks. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The crisp morning air that passes undaunted, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Again, find ourselves coming full circle, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Walking the path through the season. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Autumn hasn't a promise or oath, </div><div style="text-align: center;">It just is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This Autumn sun </div><div style="text-align: center;">Different in its purity; </div><div style="text-align: center;">Not that of Summer - </div><div style="text-align: center;">It has a new message. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Every walking and waking second</div><div style="text-align: center;">A falling leaf passes by again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whilst these days put to rest the summer, </div><div style="text-align: center;">We know it'll come again, </div><div style="text-align: center;">But first let us see the beauty of each season as it arises, </div><div style="text-align: center;">It has no wish from now to the next. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The season just is, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Winter isn't far - that'll tell us another story.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For now we can enjoy the leaves </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the work that we see squirrels doing:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Feasting and searching with each other, </div><div style="text-align: center;">As they, like us, harvest for Winter's coming.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">May we all remain present as will the seasons, </div><div style="text-align: center;">As the Autumn days turn straw-like in the fading sun </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the sepia light, </div><div style="text-align: center;">As it finds its way to the joyful dark of sunset. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h1 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Weekly Emails</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're trying to limit these weekly emails to one per week, so that people don't get bored of them and start sending them to junk. I will try to send these emails out on a Saturday to include the next two weeks of service joining details, so please let me have any information you'd like distributed here in good time. I can always update the NEWS page of the website as your bulletins come in. Many thanks, Mark. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;">September 2020</span></i></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;"><br /></span></i></div><h1 style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">Celebrating Raja Rammohan Roy</h1><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Brigid Benson</i></div><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;">Dear friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The website below this text refers to a ceremony in 2018 but gives good brief synopsis of Raja Rammohan Roy, & this remarkable man’s life. Highly respected in his lifetime then honoured by others inc Gandhi since his death.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Until I moved to Bristol in 2014, I had never heard of this special, spiritual social activist, credited with creating the term Hindu, as described below. He lived at Beech House, just opposite our flat at Linden House and was originally buried in the gardens outside there. There is a path from the road Barkleys Hill towards Beech House, named after him and I sometimes walk it just to keep him in mind, a slight detour on my way back.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the house & land was sold, the decorative tomb and remains were transferred to</div><div style="text-align: center;">Arnos Vale Cemetary - a more fitting place to visit & pay homage. In his lifetime, he was apparently a wellknown & colourful figure as he walked about the streets of Bristol.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He was interested in & sought to accomplish many things, including syncretism and the oneness of creation & our spiritual being. This led him to a close association with the Unitarians who had a significant presence in Bristol at the time. Other Unitarians today certainly know much more about him than I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is still a Raja committee in Bristol which seeks to keep his memory alive, principally by an annual comemmoration at the Cemetary. Unitarians have traditionally been part of this committee & event. There is still a lovely statue of Raja between Bristol Townhall & The Cathedral but otherwise, I fear the profile is not being kept alive in the way it deserves. This man achieved so much that has endured, both in the UK & India, including the right for women to receive education, the law to abolish the Sati system, burning of widows on funeral pyre.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, wherever you are this Sunday, I hope you will join me in remembering this wonderful man.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://arnosvale.org.uk/events/raja-day-ceremony/"></a><a href="https://arnosvale.org.uk/events/raja-day-ceremony/">https://arnosvale.org.uk/events/raja-day-ceremony/</a></div></div><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One Love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brigid</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="x_ydp53f865f0yahoo-style-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: #20124d; color: white;">August 2020</span></i></h2><div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Open Minds Together</h1><div style="text-align: center;">This is an initiative developed by John's cousin Rupert Taverner - he asked if we could pass this onto Bridport and Bristol congregations. John is aiming to attend. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"We are a new initiative in the Alton area that aims to create a welcoming and informal space for people to connect with others around a range of social and political themes, issues or challenges of our age."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">See <a href="https://www.altonopenminds.org/" target="_blank">https://www.altonopenminds.org/</a> for futher information.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><h1 style="text-align: center;">Returning Home to Frenchay Chapel Services</h1><div style="text-align: center;"><i>By Mary Cowley</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our visit to the chapel on Sunday for the first in-person service since lockdown was very special. We have not walked further than short walks from our flat since March and the only outings by taxi in that time have been to hospital or doctor. So, finding ourselves (suitably masked of course) in the chapel garden, looking at its best with the front path lined with colourful geraniums, was quite overwhelming. Andrew, acting as steward, took our temperatures (with a non-touch thermometer), pointed us to where we needed to sanitise our hands and directed us to our well spaced out seats. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We felt very safe throughout, with everyone at least 2 metres from us and at the end we did not linger inside but went out into the garden, where we were able to chat with several people, all very aware of socially distancing. John did the actual lighting of candles of joy and concern, as requested by members of the congregation (those present and also those on Zoom), so we did not need to move from our positions. Readings by members of the congregation were done from our seats. This did not work for those on Zoom, who could not hear but technical wizard Peter is looking at rectifying that. No hymn books were used but we were given printed sheets, so that we could gently hum or mouth the words, as the music was played on Peter’s computer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was also very beautiful music for us to listen to. Our drive home also felt significant, as the taxi driver was extremely interested in what Unitarians believe - we could have gone on for hours but he had work to do! After weeks of Zoom meetings and services, being with real people in a real place was momentous. It was an historic day for the chapel and we felt honoured to be part of it. The theme of the service was the Beatitudes and we certainly came home, feeling very blessed. If you are unsure about venturing out to the next in person service, I hope you can see that is being made as safe as possible and we would love to see you there.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-23638365166794616292013-09-12T16:01:00.036-07:002021-10-06T11:52:16.705-07:00Service Transcripts<h4 style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bmW6YAbuOKOG_xlX270-Tzh-IZcSkI3R/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">'Celebrating Harvest and Foolishness' with John Harley, 3.10.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XPPrzvqvd0k4HOUea5wK_nYL6_Zv8c9A/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">'Self Worth' with Wade Miller-Knight, 26.9.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jfz1J6I1YV6jWz_gQsjGM5G_hRWknfXR/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Connecting withour Environment and COP26, Peter Bruce, 29.8.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1onEDUYcpvRoMcOqF1jJsg1YYcFcThpCF/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">Bring and share service at Frenchay, 22.8.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mkl3HcGEhvCrkND6K_K8zAuGvIqp-zHl/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Be like children, Peter Bruce, 25.7.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IWC3Wj3KVHdkXU-bgZMy3Gutk2Iwq5cG/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">Melody of Freedom, John Harley, 6.6.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/mandalas-contribution-from-zoe.html">Contribution on Mandalas from Zoe Ainsworth-Grigg, Bring and Share Service, 30.5.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SXkz85FDBOjWSnrMeff-4O2iog_5-pKt/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">In praise of walking, John Harley, 16.5.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/celebrating-may-day-and-labour-day-on-2.html">Beltane / Labor Day Service, Rev. John Harley, 2.5.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y60C_0mmhmyIh4WtIY_V92GgErLr0i3J/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">Coming out of lockdown, Peter Bruce, 25.4.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1elVACJzM4jpPal0zLGK9HFjZaZDc_mzF/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105024234388350876667&rtpof=true&sd=true" target="_blank">Somewhere over the rainbow, John Harley, 18.4.21</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/from-hosanna-to-crucify-him-where-is.html">'From "Hosanna" to "Crucify Him!" - where is God in the mob?' looking at Palm Sunday and reflecting on the recent riots in Bristol, with Karl and Mark Stewart, 28.3.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-road-to-emmaus-service-with-karl.html ">The Road to Emmaus, Service Karl and Mark Stewart, Crewkerne Unitarians, 11.4.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-is-church-service-with-rev-john.html">"I am a little church", service with Rev. John Harley, 7.3.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/i-know-im-confident-i-dont-know-service.html">"I Know, I’m Confident, I don’t Know", service with Wade-Miller Knight, 28.2.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/darkness-was-cradle-of-dawning-bring.html">'Darkness was the cradle of the dawning', Bring and Share Sevice, 31.1.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-is-worship-service-2412021-and.html">'What is worship' service 24.1.2021 and contributions from our 'Planting the sacred' workshop 20.1.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/service-of-blessing-by-revd-john-harley.html">Service of Blessing with Rev. John Harley, 17.1.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/epiphany-and-hygge-heart-of-hearth-and.html">'Epiphany and Hygge' with Karl and Mark Stewart 10.1.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-beginnings-service-with-angela.html">'New Beginnings' with Angela Bufton and Peter Bruce 3.1.2021</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/christmas-day-service-2020-with-karl.html">Christmas Day Service 2020 with Karl and Mark Stewart</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/gift-service-at-brunswick-square.html">Gift Service with Karl and Mark Stewart 13.12.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-dickens-of-christmas-sunday-13th-dec.html">'A Dickens of a Christmas' - Gift Service with Peter Bruce and Andrea Clark-Ward 13.12.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/bringing-in-light-service-with-rev-john.html">Bringing in the Light - Rev John Harley 6.12.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2020/09/frenchay-bristol-unitarian-service.html">Paths to Freedom - Peter Bruce and Brigid Benson 29.11.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/light-at-end-of-tunnel-22112020-with.html">Light at the end of the tunnel - Rev John Wilkinson 22.11.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2020/11/yes-to-life-in-spite-of-everything.html">Yes to life in spite of everything - Rev John Harley 15.11.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/are-we-more-than-sum-of-our-experiences.html">Are we more than the sum of our experiences / All Souls Day 1.11.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/inspirations-from-julian-of-norwich.html">Inspirations from St Julian of Norwich - Wade Miller-Knight 25.10.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/refugees-we-are-all-connected-in-spirit.html">Refugees - we are all connected in spirit- Brigid Benson 11.10.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/what-is-truth-service-by-rev-john.html">What is the truth - service by Rev John Wilkinson 27.9.2020</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/worship-on-theme-of-care-from-1392020.html">Worship on the theme of 'Care' from 13.9.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/transforming-death-into-lessons-for.html ">Transforming Death into Lessons for Being. Sunday 23rd August 2020, 10:30am at Frenchay Chapel and on Zoom with Angela Bufton and Peter Bruce</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-wisdom-of-mountains-service.html">The Wisdom of Mountains - service transcript, Rev. John Harley, 16.8.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-own-personal-god-service.html">Your own personal God - service transcript 10.8.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/transcript-of-service-2nd-august-2020.html">Transcript of Service 02/08/2020 with Rev. John Harley</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/transcript-of-zoom-worship-from-26th.html">Transcript of Service 26/07/2020 with Rev. John Wilkinson</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/address-from-service-led-by-wade-miller.html">Address from service led by Wade Miller-Knight on 'The Opposite Good Quality' 28.6.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/readings-and-exercises-from-rainbow.html">Readings and exercises from Rainbow Path on Gratitude 18.6.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/sunday-service-transcript-solstice.html">Solstice Flower Communion Transcript 21.6.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/transcript-for-black-lives-matter.html">Transcript for Black Lives Matter Service 14/06/2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/transcript-of-john-harleys-service.html">Bristol Unitarians Service Transcript 07/06/2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/bristol-unitarians-service-31052020.html">Bristol Unitarians Service Transcript 31/05/2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/from-rainbow-path-19052020.html">Material from Rainbow Path 19/05/2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/being-together-in-times-of-loss-beauty.html">Being Together in Times of Loss, Beauty and Joy - Service from Rev. Lindy Latham 10.5.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/virtual-service-2332020.html">Virtual Service 23.3.2020</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/is-it-time-to-be-unreasonable-address.html">Is it time to be unreasonable? Address by Paul Wheeler 30.6.2019</a></li></ul><div><br /></div></h4>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-78419561987973239052013-09-12T15:59:00.000-07:002020-08-16T06:27:40.209-07:00Newsletters<a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-february-march-2020.html">Newsletter February March 2020</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-november-december-2019.html">Newsletter November / December 2019</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-july-august-2019.html">Newsletter July / August 2019</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-february-2019.html">Newsletter February / March 2019</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-november-december-2018.html">Newsletter November / December 2018</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2018/08/newsletter-september-october-2018.html">Newsletter September / October 2018</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/newsletter-june-and-july-2018.html">Newsletter June & July 2018</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-april-may-2018.html">Newsletter April & May 2018</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-december-2017-january-2018.html">Newsletter December 2017 / January 2018</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-october-and-november-2017.html">Newsletter October / November 2017</a><br /><a href="https://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-august-september-2017.html">Newsletter August / September 2017</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-june-july-2017.html">June / July Newsletter 2017</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-for-april-and-may-2017.html">Newsletter April May 2017</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-december-2016-to-january-2017.html">Newsletter December 2016 / January 2017</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-august-and-september-2016.html">Newsletter August / September 2016</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-june-july-2016.html">Newsletter June / July 2016</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.com/2013/09/newsletter-april-and-may-2016.html">Newsletter April / May 2016</a><br /><a href="http://bristolunitarians.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/newsletter-february-march-2016.html">Newsletter February, March 2016</a>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-28128940532427222812013-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:002018-11-02T13:39:57.854-07:00Mama Mia Sing Along 30th November 2018 Frenchay Chapel 7.30pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-17582733559513150632013-09-12T13:10:00.000-07:002020-05-31T03:46:39.302-07:00Bristol Unitarians Service 31/05/2020 Karl and Mark Stewart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Service 31.5.2020, 10:30am, Walking our paths with sacred steps </h2>
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Bristol Unitarians<br />Karl and Mark Stewart<br />Live Youtube Broadcast and watch again at: <a href="https://youtu.be/xGkWP7BNmdk?fbclid=IwAR0hLnodQhD-MRhLgr2nDBnrKdXYfUNRhWnkGqaembvBjbswnt1znWt6OvI">https://youtu.be/xGkWP7BNmdk</a> </h3>
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Welcome (Karl) </h3>
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You join us today from our home, from where we are leading this act of worship for Bristol Unitarians. It matters a great deal to us as a community of seekers, to ask what matters, to ask the why questions, to ask ourselves with each other the same questions. We look to see the matter in seeking and continuing seek all that is tangible, to go over trodden and untrodden ground of faith and belief. Over the past months we have been given a new order to live the fullest at all of our being, to stand, look and wonder at that matters. We have those questions to ask too, so please join us, as we search in this time together. Amen. <br />
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Opening words (Karl) Chalice Lighting (Mark) </h3>
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We welcome you today as you join us, welcome as you maybe join us for the first time, wherever you join us from in our region and further in the extended tapestry of family from our congregations around the country. All people of our many faiths and denominations, you are welcome. Come as one in seeking, as we may join together in searching, as we walk the sacred road together, Amen. <br />
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Opening introit – (Karl introduce, Mark play)</h3>
<i> By Karl </i><br />
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Be in our vision, <br />
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Come in our seeing, <br />
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Voice of God be in our speaking. <br />
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Grace and light, footsteps now walking - <br />
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To the day guiding, <br />
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Be in the waking, <br />
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Be in our working, <br />
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Amen. <br />
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Candles of Joy and Concern – Karl introduce </h3>
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1st HYMN </h3>
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Purple Book no. 30 ‘Each seeking faith is seeking light’. (Karl play, Mark introduce) </h4>
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Readings from Spiritual Literacy (Mark) </h3>
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Story ‘A searching Novice’. (Written and read by Karl)</h3>
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There was a knock at the door of my room, I opened it and there standing was a young man. <br />
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‘Are you the minister of the order,’ he asked. <br />
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‘Yes,’ I said, ‘How can I help you?’ <br />
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The man replied, ‘well, you don’t know who I am?’ <br />
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‘No’, I replied. <br />
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He introduced himself as Tom, to which I answered, ‘ah yes, I was told of your coming’. <br />
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‘Well what are you waiting for?’ he said. <br />
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I was quite taken aback and told him that I didn’t follow. <br />
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Tom said, ‘well, you knew I was coming, so let’s get to work then’. <br />
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‘What work?’ I queried, to which Tom replied with excitement, ‘well ministering! You know, going out to serve the people. I want to be a minister - this is why I am here, to answer the call, I want to be a minister. I’ve prayed on it’. <br />
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‘Calm down, calm down,’ I said, ‘come in, sit down and tell me all you have done.’ <br />
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‘Well,’ said Tom, ‘where do I start? Let’s see, I’ve done tea and coffee making after the services, I’ve done some church cleaning - not the most enjoyable of things’. <br />
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‘No,’ I said, acknowledging this point, ‘not at all - and so have I’. <br />
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Tom continued, ‘I’ve been to see people when they have been ill, or when someone dies. I have also spoken with people on the phone if there has been a problem’. <br />
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‘So have I,’ I said. <br />
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‘I’ve been to the committee meetings, dropped off shopping, given lifts to church,’ he told me, to which I replied that I had too. <br />
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Tom said, ‘Wait, what do you mean you have done these things as well?’ <br />
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Tom continued, ‘And as well as that, I’ve read in services and sung with the choir, and well I’ve even put the money in the bank’, to which I replied that I also had done these things. <br />
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Tom really was confused, and so I said, ‘Let me tell you this: all these things you have done are not done once. We do them over, over and over again. But now let me ask you this: when you did all those things, whether with others, or on your own, what did you feel?’ <br />
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‘Um well,’ said Tom, ‘I felt as though I was part of something’. <br />
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‘And now how do you feel about holding reverence to life, and all the people you know and those you will meet on Sunday and all the days after?’ <br />
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Tom replied to this: ‘I hold all that is life in my heart and all those I see and serve too.’ <br />
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‘Well,’ I told him, ‘I’d say then you are already part way there to being a minister. The insight is, Tom, it’s not the title that matters, it’s the deeds. Go well and search with all that is life. And do it with gentle and sacred steps’. <br />
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2nd HYMN </h3>
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Purple Book no.41 ‘From the crush of wealth and power’. (Mark play, Karl introduce) </h4>
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Karl address</h3>
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Walking our paths with sacred steps.</h4>
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May I invite you to a sacred moment of feeling present, while you sit within the seat of these moments. I would like to picture with you a waterfall just very gently coming over a ravine, that hasn’t been interfered with by any human, it’s just there as part of the stream of nature as the divine unknown spirit intended it to be. <br />
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From this as these moments have passed I hope we can look together at the present life, in this real everyday. Over the past months we have had to adapt the way we live, and have had to question the importance of what really matters; we will have had this opened up to us, through each of our individual perceptions. A discovery of treasures and meaningful gifts. The gifts we receive in the grace of the divine in all tangible ways. As this real everyday is temporary there is still much to savour. <br />
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During this time we have been given in the very literal meaning of guidance and authority presented with much new and unforeseen regulation, who knew this would be? This will have been for many a challenging tapestry of feeling isolated, boxed in, mentally imprisoned, marginalised. Perhaps not to mention any impression of being disabled in the given everyday, though knowing oneself to be only too able. As the new impression of this life has greeted us with the chance; in the new silence to hear the birdsong, that was always at the same volume. Only now the silence within allows us to hear it all the more. <br />
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At the beginning we were invited to look at this waterfall in our mind, this very slight stream of water falling; is running into a stream. I’m standing at a pool as it gathers. Take any colour in the water you wish and call it community. <br />
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Community</h4>
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This is where we are joined in the presence of each other where we are seeing the faces of those we know in the sacred memory of each of our minds, this is where we are seeing the new faces that we all met over the past few weeks in this virtual joining. Where candles were lit and understanding was given, where each other’s stories are held in love, trust, peace and hospitality. Here’s the place where we listen with each other, this is where we are called to enquire, where we find the answers together. With no one leader but that of ourselves. You come to the door and ask why, and have the strength of courage to say here I am also weak, and I don’t know. In a moment of prayer divine and loving spirit, come and join the strength of this community and keep with us the light, as we keep it with you. <br />
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Authority</h4>
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You might want to take another colour from the water fall for authority. We were told in the past weeks to almost retreat, not to go out and to only do the essential, shopping and going to work if you had to and just exercise a while. This was all intended in safe keeping for us all. With this we look at this group in community and keeping safe in all we explore. But here this is where we have our own authority, this is where we are in charge of ourselves, we allow he divine to take charge with us. I take this opportunity to ask if you have ever thought of looking back before you came to this Unitarian community or to earlier times if you have been in this community life long. Did you ever think you would have this sort of authority? This is where we are crafting our ways in sacred steps, and these steps are those that are to be trodden gently. This is where we hope to heal with each other, and not feel oppressed. <br />
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As we travel together we are granted the grace of the divine to see in each other with love. In this moment of prayer, may we seek in each other the authority to grow, and discover together with the discernment of knowing when we walk together and know when to lead or follow with love. <br />
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Times apart</h4>
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We have had much time apart, coming back to looking at the waterfall, take a colour out from the water as you wish, and share with someone in your mind that thread, it is a strand to hospitality that says here we come together again. We are here to share this journey together, the door was always and is always open. As we go along the way we pull along the spirit that is there in its presence for us. Whilst we allow the whispers of the small cymbals of love that we are may the words we share, may they travel to the many, not lost in the resonance of the dogmatic deafening clangour. Send them out as we sing in faith’s story and song, this is my home in the spirit, this is your community to come and share in. We are that little whisper to resound with love and take the presence of the silence, as we hear the small voice of stillness within. In this moment of prayer, come to us spirit, be you God or any other, join us together when apart in your flowing love. Allow us your unknowing as we assure with each other. <br />
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The sacred path to walk and keep walking</h4>
Coming back to the waterfall again I wish to take a strand of colour out of the flow and share with you. We may have different colours for what this means to us each as individuals. As we keep walking back to community where the longing is to be together again. At this time in these sacred moments may we bring all the strands of colour we have together, share with all who we meet as we come out of this fasting and share the feast, where all come to be once again. What can we become as we look up and around in all manner of what may appear to be true. In this moment of prayer may we seek the grace of all that is the spirit’s light, the truth in all we seek that we can become. <br />
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As we walk this path with sacred steps, may we be the whisper in the winds of change, those words that echo not as the deafening dogmatic clangour, but the small cymbals of love and hospitality we hope to be. May I invite you, or even challenge you share in all that is this very rich and full sanctuary, in this communion. If it is to be said that we are not the church that shuns, judges, turns away, closes the door or the church that says only this is right because the holy law says so. <br />
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I ask you to come here and again come with the authority you know you have, or may still be discerning. And we will be the body of grace together that says, ‘Alleluia, hosanna, praise and thanks be’. We will say we don’t know and its as well not to know, we will assure with one another as we seek faith and light. May we walk in the days to come in the mind, body, and spirit of all our journeys, the missions of grace that may take us by our calling, as the light is the beacon that will show the ways to many. And bring the exile home yourself, as all we do matters. <br />
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And now some questions to ponder. Is the spirit going to find you new freedom within? Are you going to answer the calling to what you can become? Is there gratitude at the centre of all your being and what you appreciate? Are you all you can be for now? Will you take the grace and reverence of all that is holy? Come again to the holy place, where there is the silence within and greet it with your doubts, as it will greet you with what is to be sure. <br />
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In this moment of prayer be you God or any other, be in our vision, in our waking, in all our seeing. And pray with us that this day is true. Amen. <br />
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Silence – (Karl introduce. Mark close by playing ‘I think it’s going to rain today' by Newman Randy.</h3>
Broken windows and empty hallways<br />
A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray<br />
Human kindness is overflowing<br />
And I think it's going to rain today<br />
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles<br />
With frozen smiles to chase love away<br />
Human kindness is overflowing<br />
And I think it's going to rain today<br />
Lonely, lonely<br />
Tin can at my feet<br />
Think I'll kick it down the street<br />
That's the way to treat a friend<br />
Bright before me the signs implore me<br />
To help the needy and show them the way<br />
Human kindness is overflowing<br />
And I think it's going to rain today<br />
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3rd HYMN</h3>
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Green Book no.177 ‘We can become’. (Mark play, Karl introduce)</h4>
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Mark Address: What matters most </h3>
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During the lockdown, I, like many others have had the chance to reflect on ‘what matters most’. <br />
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Time and time again for me, the same questions keep coming up: ‘what is life for?’ ‘what are we meant to be doing in it?’ ‘what constitutes success?’ ‘what is a good use of one’s time?’ ‘what is our mission here?’ ‘what is the point of life?’ <br />
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It’s often been said that there is no way out of our current form of global capitalism, because all the economies of the world are so interconnected, and it would be mean economic ruin if any country were to withdraw from the global system. <br />
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But has this virus offered an unexpected opportunity to press the re-set button on our current form of global capitalism? <br />
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Instead of just aiming to go back to business as usual, does this pandemic offer us an opportunity to usher in a new world order, where the resources of the earth are shared fairly amongst its inhabitants, and we treat our resources and our home with respect and care? <br />
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I’m imagining a new world order where our value is measured by more than just how much we can contribute to the economy. <br />
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I’m imagining a world where we seek and acquire knowledge, for knowledge’ sake – not just because of a financial incentive attached to it. <br />
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And where we can learn playfully and inquisitively, throughout the whole of our lives, not just in a tight time-span of our youth, befuddled with deadlines and bench-marks. <br />
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I’m imagining a world where retired and elderly people are valued and revered, not dismissed and hidden away. <br />
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And where the most prized treasure is the uniqueness of each individual’s experience. <br />
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I’m imagining a world where the sharing of our experiencing is not monetised and manipulated like it is in much of social media and popular culture, but where our sharing is treated with honour, dignity and discretion. <br />
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Amidst all the sorrow that this virus has brought, there is an opportunity to live differently, and I for one would be very sad to see that opportunity go to waste. <br />
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The knee-jerk reaction is for us to be able to return to how things were before as quickly as possible. But the identifying of key-workers has, in a way, sorted the wheat from the chaff, and reminded us of what is essential to life. It has given us a basis from which we can work – bringing back in education, socialising, the arts, entertainment, but maybe leaving out the grind of the rat race, and making money for money’s sake. <br />
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The virus has shown us that no amount of money can keep us safe from it. The world needs a new incentive to keep on turning. As painful as it is, we need to ask ourselves ‘what is the point of life?’, ‘what is it for?’, ‘how do we measure success?’ ‘What is a good use of our time here?’ <br />
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We need to know that there is more to strive for in life beyond the acquisition of wealth, for the health of our own souls and for the health of the planet. <br />
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So let’s start to challenge these assumptions in all our interactions. Let’s spread our plan for a new world order in all our conversations, in our social media posts and in the example we set in where we choose to spend our money and how we choose to spend our time. It’s not only bad viruses that can spread from person to person, good news can spread too. Just as we’ve all done our part to stay inside, in spite of the financial consequences, let’s use this opportunity now to spread the message of sharing, looking after each other, playful curiosity, and a new world order. <br />
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In this time many of us have been brought to a renewed reverence for and an appreciation of nature, as a grounding, reminding us of what matters most, and what persists. So I would like to finish with this poem, <br />
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<h4>
‘IN THE TIME OF QUIET’ by Philippa Atkin.</h4>
No one’s told the daffodils about the pause to Spring <br />
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And no one’s told the birds to roost and asked them not to sing <br />
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No one’s asked the lazy bee to cease his bumbling round <br />
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And no one’s stopped the bright green shoots emerging through the ground <br />
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No one’s told the sap to rest, deep within the wood <br />
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And stop the sleepy trees from waking, wreathed about in bud <br />
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No one’s told the sky to douse its brightest shades of blue <br />
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And stop the scudding clouds from puffing headlong into view <br />
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No one’s asked the lambs to still the springs beneath their feet, <br />
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To stop their rapid rush and quell each joyful bleat <br />
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No one’s told the stream to halt its gurgle or its flow <br />
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And warned the playful breezes, not to gust and blow <br />
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No one’s asked the raindrops not to fall upon the earth <br />
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And fail to quench the soil in the season of rebirth <br />
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No one’s locked the sun down, or dimmed the shimmer of the moon <br />
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And even in the darkest night, the stars are still immune <br />
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Remember what you value, remember who is dear <br />
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Close the doors to danger and keep your family near <br />
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In the quiet all around us take the time to sit and stare <br />
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And wonder at the glory unfurling everywhere <br />
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Look towards the future, after the ordeal <br />
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And keep faith in Mother Nature’s power and will to heal <br />
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<h3>
Prayers</h3>
Let us pray. <br />
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We pray when there is no more we can say, or do or give to help. <br />
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We pray that the great ‘thy’ will be done. <br />
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We hand it over to the divine. <br />
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So let us hand over this virus to the divine. <br />
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Let us hand over its wide-ranging and painful fall-out to a spirit of wisdom, beyond our present holding and discerning. <br />
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Let us pray that the way forward from this pandemic will fall on the minds and the hearts of the power-brokers, as fresh dew of grace, and that we might all discern a new way together. <br />
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Let us pray that we have the courage to make the bold choices needed to usher in a new world order of kindness and fairness. <br />
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Let us pray for all those suffering at this time to be comforted and upheld. For those mourning loved ones, who might not have been able to be with them at their time of passing. <br />
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For the dear souls who have passed on; for their shelter and reconciliation. <br />
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For those in fear of the financial road ahead – that we might share more freely with those in need, and that new paths may open up to them. <br />
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Let us give thanks for all those who have put themselves at risk to help others at this time. For all those who have used their expertise and skills to save and protect lives. <br />
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Let us give thanks to all who have shouldered the burden of responsibility during this time, and let us try to forgive them where they have erred. <br />
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In the name of all that is holy, <br />
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Amen. <br />
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<h3>
4th HYMN </h3>
</div>
<div>
<h4>
Purple Book no.196 ‘We sing the faith’. (Karl play, Mark introduce) </h4>
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<h3>
Closing Blessing: ‘A blessing to meet again’ by Karl </h3>
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Until we gather again to become one <br />
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May we stay connected <br />
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The chalice keeps us joined <br />
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Take sacred steps on all our paths <br />
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And bless one another <br />
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Be blessed <br />
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Until we meet again <br />
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Until we meet again <br />
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Amen. <br />
<br /></div>
markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-34608988431156982652013-09-12T12:58:00.001-07:002021-06-01T13:08:31.996-07:00Mandalas - contribution from Zoe Ainsworth-Grigg to Bring and Share service, 30.5.21<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Navajo Mandala</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ98_PDGr4rMsdclszyBo1WqrltdZXpyMeycFGO1hxOBUQk0uuzSH3CMULtNr6LkCmkPFWRS_jLI55lZpzDcYNrBlZcSaOmSXEp5PpvqgcikCMUAH_frSsasXhrpQPo2eW_2hM1mGULdt/s1480/mandala+n+american+indian+w+mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ98_PDGr4rMsdclszyBo1WqrltdZXpyMeycFGO1hxOBUQk0uuzSH3CMULtNr6LkCmkPFWRS_jLI55lZpzDcYNrBlZcSaOmSXEp5PpvqgcikCMUAH_frSsasXhrpQPo2eW_2hM1mGULdt/s320/mandala+n+american+indian+w+mark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></h2>The Navajo created sand paintings as part of a healing ceremony.. This mandala is based on sequence used in a creation myth and ceremony called the Blessingway <br /><br />It celebrates the coming into the world of abundance and life represented by four sacred crops: tobacco, corn, squash and bean. <br /><br />It is performed to celebrate or bring about the turning point in someone’s life. <br /><br />The shapes are highly symbolic. The centre circle represents the cosmic lake from which all life emerged and from where we can be purified and re born, while the outer circle is the boundary of the earth, where it meets the sky. Boundaries between earth and water, and shapes meaning clouds and mountains.<br /><br />The fan shapes represent the sacred crops. <br /><br />The Navajo believe that only positive spirituality can enter through the East. The circle contains a stylised representation of the Rainbow Goddess. <br /><br />Taken from the book “Mandalas” ISBN 1-84038-973-7 <br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">The Buddhist Mandala</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2YIO2xlOLxIVsbqrTAv7rJ9oTvDg9RhmVX1PDTsPES6I8PecmM44-NZMtYCtidva7glpHZbTeAGp59wgVoSh8tNlafEbSQ5rRh6-LDhRjNhvbTtm7-Z1twILX36v_7M4M_ZIrhHFbuq0/s1507/mandala+Tibetan+Buddhist+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1507" data-original-width="1467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2YIO2xlOLxIVsbqrTAv7rJ9oTvDg9RhmVX1PDTsPES6I8PecmM44-NZMtYCtidva7glpHZbTeAGp59wgVoSh8tNlafEbSQ5rRh6-LDhRjNhvbTtm7-Z1twILX36v_7M4M_ZIrhHFbuq0/s320/mandala+Tibetan+Buddhist+watermark.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There are many different Buddhist mandalas. This is taken from the Tibetan tradition.<br /><br />Within the central place is the Buddha, who is both the representation of a enlightened being and ourselves when we are happy, healthy and free. The lotus flower is used to signify this state.<br /><br />The four directions within the palace signify the circles of earth and time, they remind us that the wheel of life is always turning and each step can take us closer to the centre if we choose. <br /><br />The foundations of the palace are the primal elements which make up the \universe and from which we are ultimately made. Protective spirits or door keepers bar entry to the palace in each direction. Only those who approach with pure intention can pass.<br /><br />The outer circles indicate key stages through which must pass.<br /><br />Taken from the book “Mandalas” ISBN 1-84038-973-7<div><br /></div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-30871870261888869302013-09-12T12:52:00.004-07:002020-12-16T13:39:05.294-08:00Gift Service at Brunswick Square 13.12.2020 with Karl and Mark Stewart<p><b>Opening words and chalice lighting</b></p><br /> We meet today in this circle of community <br /><br /> To give to one another our presence, <br /><br /> Our smiles, our listening and understanding of one another, <br /><br /> Here we are connected within <br /><br /> And out from the circle of hands we give without <br /><br /> To those in need, without condition. <br /><br /> May we give freely as we have received. <br /><br /> Amen. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>INTROIT – See the Candle Flame – by Karl</b><br /><br /> See the candle flame <br /><br />Shining in a dark stable <br /><br />See the new born baby of the world <br /><br />Under a golden star <br /><br />This is our child of Christmas, <br /><br />A gift to the world <br /> <br /><br /><b>HYMN - Joyful is the dark, p.82</b> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Listen to ‘The Best Gift’ as sung by Barbra Streisand </b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XI_SbTmXISE" width="320" youtube-src-id="XI_SbTmXISE"></iframe><br /> <br /><br />The best gift<br />That I ever got<br />Didn't really weigh a lot<br />It didn't have a ribbon 'round<br />And it sometimes made the terrible sound<br />The best of all it seems to me<br />It wasn't neath the christmas tree<br />And yet, I guess I'd have to say<br />That it made all the other presents twice as gay<br />The best gift that I've ever known<br />I'd always wanted most to own<br /><br />Yet in my dreams of sugar and spice<br />I never thought it could be so nice<br />The best gift that I ever get<br />Was sometimes dry and sometimes wet<br />Was usually pink but oftentimes red<br />As it lay so innocently in it's bed<br />The best gift of the year to me<br />The one I hold most dear to me<br />A gift that simply drove me wild<br />Was a tiny new born child... <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Reading – Egypt is the gift of the Nile </b><br /><br /> <br /> Taken from article in ‘Egypt Today.com’ <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The famous Greek historian Herodotus summarised the importance of the river to the Egyptians by saying "Egypt is the gift of the Nile". <br /><br />The ancient Egyptians thought that the Nile is the gift of the gods. They equated it with life itself, and they organised their daily lives according to the high and low levels of its water. The Egyptian calendar was based on the three seasons of the Nile: The flood, agriculture, and harvest.<br /><br />The flood season began with the appearance of "Al-Shaary Al-Yamani" or "Sirius", which is the brightest star. Its appearance also means the beginning of a new Egyptian year. <br /><br />Herodotus' sayings and recordings show that the flood of the Nile was coincident with the summer solstice phenomenon, that is, June 21st / 22nd of every year.<br /><br />Because the Nile means life, when it overflows it brings prosperity and fertility to the soil and people around it, but if its water level rises too much, people lose their mud houses, and if the level does not rise enough, drought and famine occur.<br /><br />Thus it was important for the gods to control the river. The two main deities involved in organizing this process are Khnum and Hapi, according to legend.<br /><br />Khnum, the Nile god with a ram's head, was the god of water, who brings life to the banks of the river, where plants grow and animals reproduce, and since silt forms after the flood, Khnum was also thought to create humans out of this mud.<br /><br />As for the god Habi, he was the one in control of the flood of the Nile. Usually, this god appears in both genders, having male features and a female upper body, which reflects both the personality of the father and mother of the Nile, and so he/she is able to achieve fertility. <br /><br />In addition, God Osiris played a role in one of the famous legends of the Nile, and this legend says that Osiris was killed by his brother Set because of jealousy. His body was cut into 40 pieces, and thrown into the Nile, which, in turn, threw shredded parts of Osiris' body in the Mediterranean.<br /><br />However, his wife, Isis, succeeded in finding and collecting his body parts, and thanks to the divine powers she possessed, Isis managed to revive Osiris and conceive a child, and then gave birth to Horus who grew up in the papyrus field in the delta, far from his malevolent uncle Set.<br /><br />Later, the god Horus succeeded in avenging his father, Osiris, by killing his uncle Set, and from here the death and resurrection of Osiris became associated with the flood of the Nile and the decline of its water level.<br /><br />Some sources say that the ancient Egyptians believed that the flood of the Nile was the tears of Isis, mourning the death of her husband Osiris. <br /><br />Is is clear that there are mirrorings of biblical creation myths in the Egyptian stories as well as mirrorings of the biblical nativity story with the birth of Horus as a saviour and bringer of life, and likewise the Easter story with the death and resurrection of his father Osiris. It is clear that this idea of divine giving and divine taking-away exists across many cultures throughout the ages. <br /><br /><b>HYMN – True Simplicity</b> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Karl Address </b><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ew5dxTDhnPs" width="320" youtube-src-id="ew5dxTDhnPs"></iframe><br />So we simply give… is it as simple as that? <br /><br />We look many times over at the choice and meaning of what it is to give, what is giving and I ask myself am I right in what I’m giving. I have found myself hesitating in a shop aisle or looking at the pages of all the things you can buy from the internet. I might also ask about theses so-called ‘bolt-ons’. ‘Bolt-ons’ really, “would you like to add?”, “are you going add?”, “sign up for the notification so you don’t miss out”, and there is the cursory - “we look forward to seeing you again”, and “don’t miss out on....” I find myself for ever feeling that we are being sold a culture. We are almost being invited to give all the year round and buy all year round; but surely we only buy to give as we need to, such as when the occasion should arise. <br /><br />We sang a while ago the hymn “True Simplicity” there telling us how “it’s a gift to be simple, a gift to be kind, and turn, turn around just right”. I find that the word gift is the true representation of an unconditional symbol. Is it something past the understanding of anyone’s capacity to know: the true and sacred gift of how the human heart rests within you. So sacred is the human heart, that it gives with love. This is what has drawn us to the very core of our meeting now. We are here in honest meeting, we gather; we give; I come here with an undefended heart, just waiting, resting, holding, living just in the moment; its beat connecting with mind and soul, knowing that there is something to send out in the grace of the holiness in the self. <br /><br />Meeting here now, we are giving of all that our heart and conscience can afford; we are willed to give. When we question ourselves about if we’re giving enough, what is it that we feel we should be giving? Where is the moral compass of your giving pointing? Is it towards giving of money, of time, of care, of compassion, of knowledge? Where in your inner self is your impulse to give? <br /><br />Here are a few questions to ponder. What is the best gift of the self? Why am I giving? What brings you to give? Is the moral of the gift true to your inner-self? How do you wish your gift to be received? What does the grace of the sacred tell you about receiving? <br /><br />As we have done in previous years we shall be giving from this gathering to one of our local charity places - only this year we give money, as we are in a situation not to be able to give food donations. <br /><br />We know that the pandemic is temporary, and that we shall hopefully be able to return to giving food donations again next year. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yet in the same way, every stage of life is temporary. There are always going to be challenges to our giving, even if not on the global scale of the pandemic. <br /><br />How do we reach out to other souls in need of our gifts, or support the many great charities that try to do this? What courage and answering of our heart’s call of compassion do we need to leap the many boundaries between us and our giving? <br /><br />Perhaps our own fear of scarcity gets in the way of our giving – “what if I don’t have enough for me?” or our fear of the scarcity of our time spent giving? Or especially at this time, fear around the scarcity of our health - “what if I get sick whilst trying to help others?” What is the nudge, the impulse of compassion within your heart that allows you to overcome these obstacles to giving? <br /><br />How can we remind ourselves that we are temporary custodians of the sacred grace that lives within us all, and that it is our mission whilst here to help with our whole hearts whilst we can. <br /><br />I invite you just for a few moments to think of a place you go once in a while, perhaps somewhere near your home or a little further. Somewhere that might be a walk you go on. Let’s say you have arrived at this place and you walk along the path. Having been there before you know that path; you may have walked it several times. Or maybe you haven’t been there in a few months or years but you return again; the path might have changed, but it still goes where it always went. There you are walking along it, knowing that this path is not yours; it belonged to the land from before you ever stepped foot upon it, and will belong to the land again after you have left it. But every step of that journey is yours. These are your steps, your thoughts, your revelations. You come again to this path, you return and it welcomes you back to continue your journey. This is the gift of the wilderness: it’s there, yet changed by the many who traversed it while you were walking in other places. And when you come back to it perhaps you see someone you don’t know there, tracing the same path as you. Maybe you give a smile and a hello, and receive hopefully a smile and a hello back. The gift of the wilderness is in the wholeness of meeting and giving, and with grace receiving. <br /><br />Today and all the other days we will find ourselves giving and receiving. Here we have gathered to answer the divine call, this call is the invitation that says “here we give, today we give, tomorrow and all the days to come we will receive and yet again give”. Here and now we are living the call, living this vocation with each and every one of us sharing the small grain of the holy that is in us all. Not only are we are we giving because our call says we should and because it’s the right thing to do. We give because we can and we give of what our heart and conscience can afford. This is our giving ministry, and whoever receives it, we hope shall know that it is given with love. <br /><br />As we journey through this labyrinth of the precious path, we will meet many in need. May we listen out for the still small voice within that says, “there is enough - give freely and surely with abundance you shall receive”. <br /><br />I will give my little today for someone else’s plenty tomorrow. May we do so by the grace of God. Amen. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Reading and discussion – New Testament references to gifts </b><br /><br /><br /> I’ve looked up some of the many references to ‘giving’ from the New Testament of the bible, with the idea of thinking about how we might translate these into more Unitarian and Universalist language which might be more meaningful to us. Is there a way that you can make any of these quote relevant to you? (To think about, discuss at the end). <br /><br /><br />James 1:17 <br /><br />Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. <br /><br />John 3:16 <br /><br />“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. <br /><br />Ephesians 2:8 <br /><br />For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. <br /><br />Romans 12:6 <br /><br />Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith. <br /><br />Acts 2:38 <br /><br />And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. <br /><br />2 Corinthians 9:15 <br /><br />Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! <br /><br />Ecclesiastes 3:13 <br /><br />Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. <br /><br />1 Timothy 4:14 <br /><br />Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. <br /><br />1 Corinthians 12:7 <br /><br />To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. <br /><br />Matthew 7:11 <br /><br />If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! <div><br /><br />John 4:10 <br /><br />Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” <br /><br />Luke 6:38 <br /><br />Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” <br /><br />Matthew 6 <br /><br />“Beware of practising your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. <br /><br />James 1:5 <br /><br />If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. <br /><br />James 4:6 <br /><br />But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” <br />Adapted from the online article: The Gift That Lasts Forever: <br /><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>5 Ways Jesus Is the Ultimate Gift to Mankind, substituting the name Jesus for ‘unconditional love’ with some other small adaptations. </b></div><div><b><br /></b>Gift-giving is without a doubt a celebrated tradition during the Christmas season and on special occasions throughout the year. Billions of pounds are spend on gifts like books, art, clothing, toys, gadgets, cookware and jewellery. But like any earthly possession, these gifts don’t last. By the next holiday, the clothes are worn, the toys are broken, the perfume is used up, and the pots and pans are scratched. Sooner or later, every gift is destined for the rubbish bin or donation pile. No earthly gift, no matter how priceless or thoughtful, will last forever, but there is a spiritual gift that does. <br /><br />The course of history changed when the concept of ‘unconditional love’ entered the scene. Wrapped up in this concept of unconditional love are all the answers to our questions, the fulfilment of our needs, and the satisfaction of our longings. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the ways in which unconditional love is the ultimate gift to humanity. <br /><br /><u>Unconditional Love Is Our Righteousness </u><br /><br />“Yes, human fallibility brings sorrow for everyone, but unconditional love as an act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone”. In the metaphor of The Garden of Eden, we lost our relationship with God because we couldn’t accept our own fallibility, and were too proud and afraid to admit it. But when unconditional love steps in, the door is opened to the possibility of new life and a relationship with God. When God looks at her children, she sees a righteousness, which can never be damaged or deleted. <br /><br /><br /><u>Unconditional love Is Our protector </u><br /><br />“Unconditional love is my protector; I shall not want. It leads me to rest in green pastures; beside still waters. It renews my strength. It guides me along right paths, bringing honour to what it means to be human. <br /><br />A shepherd faithfully tends to the needs of their wayward and belligerent flock. Day after day, they guide them to food and water, protect them from danger, and keep them healthy. The sheep can do nothing for themselves, but willingly the protector does everything for them. This is what unconditional love does for us every day, tending to ourselves, each other and the world with kindness and tenderness. “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as God knows me and I know God. So I give up my fear and pride for the sake of the sheep” (John 10:14-15). <br /><br /><br /><u>Unconditional love Is Our Healer </u><br /><br />Unconditional love is our healer, healing both physical and spiritual maladies. “Let all that I am dwell in unconditional love; may I never forget the good things it does for me. It forgives all my fallibility of mind, body, spirit, word, thought and deed. No illness, injury or emotional wound is too deep or too complex for unconditional love to bring wholeness to the affected area. While the answers to these needs may be different from the ones we imagined, we can trust that the goodness of unconditional love is never in error as it works its healing ways in our lives. <br /><br /><u>Unconditional love Is Our Peace </u><br /><br />In our culture, peace is often defined as the absence of strife and chaos, but as spiritually inclined people, we enjoy a deeper meaning of peace. Peace is not just the absence of chaos, but the presence of unconditional love. Unconditional love can come to us in the midst of any circumstance and creates peace right where we stand. In the midst of strife. In the midst of daily living. In the midst of noise. In the midst of terror and war, “Unconditional love will be our peace…”. <br /><br /></div><div><u>Unconditional love Is Our Hope</u> <u><br /></u><br />Unconditional love is our hope in the fiercest of storms, and its hope lights up our life like a beacon on the shore. Its hope is the only anchor worth hanging on to in a world that constantly shakes and changes. Yes, we are called to endure such shaking and changing, but such calamities don’t define us. They are not the end of our story. Our hope is that unconditional love can’t be shaken, outdated or deleted. “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary” (Hebrews 6:19). <br /><br /><br />Unconditional love is perhaps the only beautiful, eternal gift in a world of temporal and disposable gifts. Is comes to this earth through us so we can bring light to the world, and to give us full and abundant life. A life wrapped up in the hopeful striving toward unconditional love. </div> <br /><br /><b>HYMN – We three kings <br /></b><br /><br /><b>Closing Words: The Gift - Mary Oliver</b><br /> <br /> Be still, my soul, and steadfast.<br /> Earth and heaven both are still watching<br /> though time is draining from the clock<br /> and your walk, that was confident and quick,<br /> has become slow.<br /> <br /> So, be slow if you must, but let<br /> the heart still play its true part.<br /> Love still as once you loved, deeply<br /> and without patience. Let God and the world<br /> know you are grateful. That the gift has been given. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-87909791166209904092013-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:002020-12-10T12:57:02.730-08:00Frenchay & Bristol Unitarian Service ‘Paths to Freedom’ 29th Nov 2020 10.30am – Zoom <i>Peter Bruce & Brigid Benson </i><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Intro music - I'm on my my to freedom land (crossing over - first 3min30) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7XiUxsOoHM&ab_channel=VocalEssence">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7XiUxsOoHM&ab_channel=VocalEssence</a> <br /><br />That performance was about a particular energy of Freedom that is very alive today – The legacy of Slavery. The realities of the freedom of the slave owner to buy slaves is starkly contrasted with the lack of freedom of the slave who is subjected to physical control and mental abuse. The need to take responsibility to balance Freedoms of one with another is the subject of today’s service. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Welcome here today <br /><br />The title for the service is Paths to Freedom, identifying blockers and enablers on this road to equitable freedom. <br /><br />I apologise that there are no hymns in the service from our Unitarian hymn books as I don’t have the copies or the music but hopefully there are songs you know and can sing along to as you like. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />In lighting the chalice candle, we ask for the light, wisdom and love that goes <br /><br />alongside our will to balance our world for the benefit of us and all. Help us to <br /><br />find the balance as individuals and as one community. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />We also light this candle for the first Sunday in Advent. Advent means literally, ‘the coming’. This time leads up to the Christmas festival of the birth or the ‘coming’ of Jesus but there are many pagan associations too with the ‘Hanging of the Greens’ done for Advent. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />So, to our topic of Paths to Freedom which in more stable times is usually seen as a balance between Freedom and Responsibility. Exercising too much freedom in our personal whims can harm the freedoms of others and too little freedom means we cannot express who we really are, blighting our individual lives. The Greek philosophers saw that Nature leads us towards a balance point that optimises freedom and benefit for all. <br /><br />However Freedom is powerfully projected today in the instability of current western culture as THE ‘Great Good’ that we should have or take for ourselves. The phrases of America First or Me First have found resonance amongst a population in pain, although excessive power of the few can also be seen as one of the primary causes of the problems of inequality and unhappiness too. Freedom is at the centre of political debate and lifestyle that has become so divisive in society today. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />For Jean Paul Sartre, existence precedes essence, freedom is the nature & condition of humanity. It brings both responsibility & anguish but how we use our freedom defines us. <br /><br />His way of discussing what freedom means in practice. Is still very relevant today in the 21st century. We will talk later about the history of freedom but for now, consider this. When modern man/person discovers they are free, it can be both liberating & frightening but we soon realize that there is no such thing as absolute freedom because it is not absolute, it exists only in relation to others. If we value our own freedom & that of others, then it leads to a kind of morality, not seeking to do harm or restrict the freedom of others. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Live and let live. Do unto others as you would have done unto you. <br /><br />Freedom of mind, belief, without fear of repression, means free to decide what you believe, it may or may not lead to a belief in God or a superior being. The important thing is to forge your own path and own your choices, respect the different paths of others, as long as they in turn, leave you in peace to follow your own path. . <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />The word Free comes from from Proto-Germanic Frijaz meaning ‘Beloved’ or <br /><br />‘not in Bondage’. This carries both the opposite concepts of personal freedom of not in bondage, as well as the community responsibility of loving each other. So old wisdom ties this balance together at source. However History is written by the winner to suit their messages for power and control in society. These repeated stories seep into our psyche over generations and it is perhaps time we shook off some of those shackles. <br /><br />In medieval times even Physical Freedom to move or do your own thing was limited under the Lord of the Manor. The Magna Carta of 1215 was really only about freedom of the Barons vs the King but with an emerging middle class, freedoms and protections slowly grew with rights for justice. <br /><br />The Reformation gradually freed Europe from the idea that there was only one dominating version of Christianity, shaped by a feudal system. This created the space for movements like Unitarianism to emerge, where leaders sacrificed threats to their personal physical freedom for the right to think & believe freely. The Civil War was triggered by the King claiming divine power over Parliament, but the MPs were mostly voted in from ‘Rotten Borough’ politics at the time. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />In modern times, Advertising and increasingly personally directed social media have created the consumer society, this gets us to buy things we don't really need, with money we don’t have? They persuade us we should have ALL we want. <br /><br />But we know ‘inside’ us that there is a hidden cost for too much individual freedom over community values. One person’s freedom is another’s pain. The age-old need for balance between Freedom and Responsibility come to the fore. We need to understand how to access this balance if we are to find ‘desireable’ Freedom. <br /><br />The question for us is what should we believe, there was distorted truth in the past but today Fake News has gone rampant with people ‘selling’ all sorts of interpretations and link conspiracies. <br /><br />There are so many different interpretations of what freedom means to any group nowadays it can get exhausting! This diversity reflects the complexity of human beings & different cultures across the world. Remember You have the Freedom to decide what You believe! We are at a time to see this as unity. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />This song ‘Freedom’ by Pharrell Williams shows that Freedom can be high energy like an adrenalin rush and shake us up. The clips and lyrics represent our desires for free choice and the chaotic impacts of the extremes it can cause others and nature who lose their freedom or habitats. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlY90lG_Fuw&ab_channel=PharrellWilliamsVEVO">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlY90lG_Fuw&ab_channel=PharrellWilliamsVEVO</a> <br /><br />(with lyrics below). In this way it is difficult to say if Freedom is selfish or altruistic. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />It is useful to consider the impacts of the Lack of Freedom to others caused by choices of us all when we buy cheap clothes, or hide money from others, or destroy our environment. <br /><br />Too many want the Freedom to buy without worry, the crops that often cause deforestation. We want the freedom to travel the world when we have a climate emergency. Where is the balance in this. Many are not sufficiently aware of the impact of our choices on others & the planet, but don’t we have a responsibility to consider this before we make the choice? <br /><br />As individuals we like the freedom of speech to say what we feel or want to believe, even if its not true. <br /><br />Freedom of speech is heralded today even when it promotes offence, division and fear. We seem to have forgotten what Buddha said to consider before speaking: It is true, is it kind, is it helpful? <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />The greatest symbol though of loss of freedom is perhaps the Prison. <br /><br />Cry, Freedom was a film about Steve Biko and the Apartheid regime in South Africa with its lack of political freedom for the majority. The famous freedom fighter Nelson Mandela was a prisoner for 27years but said “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” <br /><br />He understood what true freedom means, that it has two sides to it. As President, with all the power and control that brings, he lived a life that tried to empower holistic balanced freedom to others, not taking out retribution on the white minority. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Mandela’s wisdom demonstrates the phrase: ‘The most powerful prison is the boundaries and judgements you hold in your mind.’ He rose above that to forgive from his inner soul and live from the ‘Beloved’ part of Freedom we referred to earlier. <br /><br />Even in our normal lives, Most of the stories and beliefs in our heads came from our parents, our peers, our culture and the groups we chose to get involved with when we were young. It is a lot to undo to find your true self! Are we really free and what is our true self? <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Music – Freedom and Responsibility – song by Dan Tanz who sings with his daughter alongside, <br /><br />distractingly and beautifully in total freedom of the moment <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0_SwBBdouM&ab_channel=SongwriterCircle">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0_SwBBdouM&ab_channel=SongwriterCircle</a> (with Lyrics) <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Conflicting Choices in Freedoms <br /><br />Let’s get personal now. Recently we have had some of our Freedoms starkly taken away:- the right to roam freely during coronavirus, the right to meet in person, shake hands or hug each other. How do you feel about it? We all have changed our habits through choice - Why do you do what you do? – and Do you feel free in those decisions? <br /><br />Perhaps like me you are of two minds: No, I don’t want to stop seeing my friends and family or Yes its good to be responsible and protect others, particularly the vulnerable, from Covid. <br /><br />All our actions have implications and we should be mindful of this through peace rather than anger. The heart knows this path of freedom better than the head. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />People who lack freedoms in their countries (from hunger, illness, oppression, from marital <br /><br />bondage or FGM, and freedom for gender choice, political rights and safety), fairly obviously, want to escape this. They desire the freedom to move to a safe country as refugees. Others want the freedom to reject them from entry. Some want to escape tax despite living here but this pays for the common good of education and health that we want. <br /><br />We can see that Freedom is both a complex and a very powerful concept. So what are the rights and wrongs? It is clear that we can’t have all the freedom we want to decide without affecting other peoples freedoms. <br /><br />Freedoms are often in conflict. Freedom is at the heart of many of the tensions in our society today. One person’s power over another and also a battle for the truth over fake news. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />We can feel very disempowered and even depressed by all these issues that seem to control our lives these days, but there is good news! <br /><br />We are more free and have more opportunities to information and a free voice than ever before in history. <br /><br />More importantly, You can empower yourself by taking control of your own thoughts and speaking your own mind. You have always had and still have the freedom to stop believing false information you were ‘taught’ by experiences, parents, friends or by media/culture/society. You can choose the path less travelled and the higher one. Although it is not as easy as we think to rid ourselves or habits or habitual thinking as you’ll know if you’ve tried. These rivers in us run deep. Moving forwards is usually easier together and as Unitarians we have the freedom to develop our inner lives of reflection, sharing that light beneficially with others. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Let’s now use this point of appreciation of the benefits and trials of freedom as a backdrop for our Candles of Joy and Concern. Particularly sharing freedoms people have lost, new freedoms we personally have found and how we can help each other in this journey. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Music - Sing a song of Freedom (time for liberation) Cliff Richard with his positive message of changing for the better starting with you and me. <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ-nOxk2ajw&ab_channel=CliffRichard">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ-nOxk2ajw&ab_channel=CliffRichard</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />So homing in on Paths to Freedom now, <br /><br />I) One extreme is - We allow ourselves the feeling of being free to think anything and do anything, but we find this has impacts on others that are unacceptable (to them and us if we are attuned in compassion). <br /><br />II) At the opposite extreme, We can have the care to be so fearful of doing harm to others that we daren’t do anything, but this case leads to us not really having lived! <br /><br />III) A key problem to overcome is that ‘Fear’ is a trigger of the ‘mind hijack’ in our amygdala that switches off our rational brain and feeds in old memories of other associated fears. To stay Free thinking we need to be alert to others controlling us through this in gaslighting or collective fears such as being overrun by migrants. <br /><br />IV) A practical solution -”When someone tries to trigger you by insulting you or by doing or saying something that irritates you, take a deep breath and switch off your ego. Remember that if you are easily offended, you are easily manipulated.” <br /><br />V) Always be curious about who you are, where you are and the choices you have in Life’s journey. Discuss with others and ensure the choice is yours not from others. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />We are theoretically the most free generation ever in history! So why do people not feel free? <br /><br />Do you feel free? Reflect on what might be holding you back? <br /><br />New heart-centred Awareness helps us let go of old beliefs. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />This piece by Leo Babauta on the <a href="http://www.zenhabits.net/">www.ZenHabits.net</a> is a Guide for letting go of attachments:- <br /><br />“I’ve been finding more and more that the Buddha had it right: pretty much all of our struggles, from frustrations to anxiety, from anger to sadness, from grief to worry, all stem from the same thing … <br /><br />The struggles come from being too tightly attached to something. [belief,thought, pain or physical thing] <br /><br />When we’re worried, we are tightly attached to how we want things to be, rather than relaxing into accepting whatever might happen when we put forth our best effort. When we’re frustrated with someone, it’s because we’re attached to how we want them to be, rather than accepting them as the wonderful flawed human they are. When we procrastinate, we are attached to things being easy and comfortable (like distractions) rather than accepting that to do something important, we have to push into discomfort. And so on. <br /><br />OK, if you’re ready to accept that being too attached, clinging too tightly, is the cause of our struggles … then the answer is simple, right? Just loosen the attachments. Just let go.” <br /><br />In summary Buddha said ‘You only lose what you cling to’. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Joyce Meyer encourages us in freedom too with ‘Our Past experiences may have made us the way we are but we don’t have to stay that way.’ <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />So hopefully you can see that Freedom is not a ‘good’ in itself but part of a landscape for wellbeing choices. And that the highest freedom for ourselves needs ‘the other’ to be free too, with a balance needed of both Inner and Outer world Freedoms. <br /><br />In this journey vulnerability is a strength not a weakness as we become more heart-centred <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Getting into the holistic <br /><br />Rumi prose (Afghan C13th refugee) - <br /><br />“When I run after what I think I want, my days are a furnace of stress and anxiety; if I sit in my own place of patience, what I need flows to me, and without pain. From this I understand <br /><br />that what I want also wants me, is looking for me and attracting me. There is a great secret here for anyone who <br /><br />can grasp it. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Someone who found freedom in hardship was Albert Camus <br /><br />“In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. <br /><br />In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. <br /><br />In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. <br /><br />I realized, through it all, that… <br /><br />In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. <br /><br />And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against <br /><br />me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” <br /><br />Perhaps this is true Freedom, Letting go, to be free. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />We can be too tough on ourselves sometimes and we need to give ourselves some space so this song is to remind us of the time for some Peace and Freedom <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70IVhTus6mE&ab_channel=Ivo-Topic">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70IVhTus6mE&ab_channel=Ivo-Topic</a> by IVO <br /><br />Meditation, breathing exercises, being in nature and just wondering at some aspect of the universe are all ways to find our Freedom nourishing us from our inner being, our soul as that’s whence it originates. When we have ‘turned down’ our busy mind, we can be in tune with the quiet voice of our inner being where we have no dissonance, no frustration, fear or anger; we are at peace with the universe. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />The Healthy Freedom <br /><br />Some thoughts from others on how to find this peace and freedom: <br /><br />The Rev Angel Kyodo Williams says - ‘I teach only liberation and the path to Liberation. <br /><br />Love and Justice are not two. Without inner change, there can be no outer change; without <br /><br />collective change no change matters.’ <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />To encourage us how to find freedom in peace and awareness, a saying from James Thurber -“Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />And to be free in our judgements of the world, this is from a book The Mind-Made Prison: Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Manifesting Personal Transformation ― by Mateo Tabatabai, <br /><br />“Soon you will see that there is no good or bad, only an interpretation of what is. You will realize that <br /><br />your whole experience is based solely on your interpretation of external events that are completely <br /><br />neutral. You will understand that you have nothing figured out and that all the things you thought you <br /><br />knew are only imaginary constructs of your mind. You have so much talent and potential inside you <br /><br />that is not coming through because your mind has imprisoned you.” <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />So Freedom can feel like something that can be given to us, but it only exists if <br /><br />we work to receive or give gracefully it in return, to all creation. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Freedom poem by Jack Ellison <br /><br /><a href="https://cosmofunnel.com/poems/freedom-141044">https://cosmofunnel.com/poems/freedom-141044</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />I’ll leave you with one word – atone. Atone today means making amends to ‘the other’ which represents our part in the responsibility of achieving balance with another. But the old meaning of Atone is actually achieving At-one with the other– finding ultimate freedom. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Closing Blessing <br /><br />May you continue to develop a healthy sense of Freedom, <br /><br />Growing appropriate responsibility, <br /><br />Feeling more at one with the universe <br /><br />and finding your true authentic self. <br /><br />Amen <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Closing music to end on a high of attuned energy:- Freedom is coming – Unitarians of Baltimore <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYZU5VRNnOI&ab_channel=FirstUnitarianChurchofBaltimore">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYZU5VRNnOI&ab_channel=FirstUnitarianChurchofBaltimore</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />END <br /><br />NOTICES <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Additional resources: <br /><br />Music – by Tina Fire Wolf who has been struggling on this journey of ‘Balancing Freedom & <br /><br />Responsibility ‘ for 20years, its a lifelong task but gets easier as you progress, and so her personal energy is why this is chosen https://www.youtube.com/watch? <br /><br />v=VXjSWH3mIdw&ab_channel=TinaFireWolf <br /><br />How do you achieve Responsible Freedom in your life - inspirational video by Tahira <br /><br />5min <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_kGfXGAffM&ab_channel=TahiraGoldenDoorTV">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_kGfXGAffM&ab_channel=TahiraGoldenDoorTV</a> <br /><br />Freedom duo instrumental by JRRhodes from 3min26 <a href="https://vimeo.com/454463200">https://vimeo.com/454463200</a> <br /><br />Think (Freedom) by Aretha Franklin says you <br /><br />Aretha Franklin <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mSn4-szhus&ab_channel=NicolaVernizzi">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mSn4-szhus&ab_channel=NicolaVernizzi</a> <br /><br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-50118387438151027812013-09-12T12:37:00.000-07:002017-04-08T12:47:20.157-07:00Newsletter for April and May 2017<h3 style="text-align: center;">
From the desk</h3>
A well known hymn from the purple book: <i>Hope is born in springtime </i><br /><br /> “Hope is born in springtime, when we plant the seed,” (a few words from that hymn).<br /><br /> Dear All,<div>
<br /> We venture from the winter to the spring then summer, and all our climate presents us with. It is at least my hope that we can hope all year round. As earnest it sounds, I believe that hope is the foundation that holds us together in the most uncertain of times, as with the current political climate. This a prayer as opposed to a prophecy. As believers I know we have the roots that hold us close and the wings that set us free. <br /><br /> There is so much we do and there is so much to do, and we as a faith people maybe the example to help solve some of these problems, in doing what we can to calm or assuage all that challenges us. All we do matters as all these seasons lead us to follow.<br /><br /> It is with understanding, compassion and using our words in discernment, to build bridges as opposed to barriers, that we might see a way forward. And in that, I with many, look forward to the time of ministry that our beloved friend and minister John Harley will share with us. <br /><br /> As we all come with our aspirations, hopes, expectations we welcome John Harley as he joins us over the coming months; working with us, in a way where we all find our answers together; and leading us in the way we want or need to be led. <br /><br /> As we look to this, may we do it with an undefended heart, and with no cherished outcome. And hold this space we share while in church together and as we are connected without; as we are the church of people during the days that pass until we meet again.<br /><br /> Where we share our hospitality in faith and friendship, let’s make the guest always welcome.<br /><br /> Yours with love and care, in the sharing of all that is our ministry.<br /><br /> Karl Stewart. <br /><br /> Chair. UMB.<br /><br /> And now over to John.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
From the Minister – Rev. John Harley</h3>
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Dear all </div>
<br /> I am delighted to be starting an exploratory ministry with UMB and Frenchay Chapel for the months of April, May and June. It will be a part me ministry which will consist of around one weekend a month. I will be staying in Bristol over the third weekend of each of these months and conducting worship for both congregations on the Sundays of 16 April, 21 May and 18 June. I will also be attending some mid week meetings and events. As some of you know I live in Bridport, Dorset and so over the next few months I will find out how living at some distance from Bristol will affect what I can bring to you all. Our plan is that in June we will look back on the experience and work out the way ahead.<br /><br /> Some of you will know I have been visiting the Bristol congregations for many years and especially during my London years. I have got to know some of you and I have fond memories of our conversations after worship and Bright Lights at UMB. At present my main role for the Unitarians is part me Youth Coordinator which I have been fulfilling for nearly 12 years. I am hoping to make some pastoral visits over the coming months and these are going to be most possible for me on the Saturdays of the above weekends. If anyone would like to request a visit or contact me on another matter my email address is jharley@unitarian.org.uk and mobile: 07985 900935. I will be meeting with the UMB and Frenchay congregations in April to discuss your priories for developing congregational life. I am looking forward to getting to know you all more, supporting you in your spirituality and accompanying you in growing the Unitarian witness and faith in Bristol. In the vibrant, multi‐cultural, creative city of Bristol I believe our liberal and open minded faith has so much potential. I will work with you in deepening the Unitarian community in your city and bringing our unique approach to a wider number of people. A happy Springtime to you all! <br /><br /> Rev John Harley <br /><br /> <br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
REDLAND FAIR - 1st MAY</h3>
The fair will be as usual, on Redland Green on Monday 1st May. There has been a delay in allocating stalls this year and the UMB stall has not yet been confirmed. As soon as we have been told anyone interested in helping on the stall or providing preserves, plants, bric á brac and books will be informed.<br /> PETER WILDMAN<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
WOMEN'S LEAGUE</h3>
The Bristol branch has contributed £200 to the National Women's League Project for 2016/17 which was the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) The national cheque will be handed to a representative of NDCS at the National Women's League AGM to be held in Birmingham on Tuesday 11th April during the General Assembly. The Project for 2017/18 will be Prostate Cancer UK. We have also sent £20 to the India Fund. Sylvia Bartlett has had to stand down as our Treasurer due to health problems. We all send our thanks and best wishes to Sylvia. Our next meeting is with Anne Butler from Crewkerne for tea in Debenhams at 2.30 pm on Wednesday 5th April - all are welcome.<br /><br /> SUSAN WILDMAN<br /><br /><h3>
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CIVIC INTER FAITH CELEBRATION - 30th March 2017</div>
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The Civic Inter Faith Celebration with the theme "Inter Faith Understanding and Co-operation took place in the newly refurbished Civic Hall. The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of Bristol Councillor Jeff Lovell lit the first peace candle and was followed by representatives of faiths in the city. Bernard Omar lit the candle on behalf of the Unitarians. Presentations were made by Sufis (Muslims), The Salvation Army, Jews and Bahai's and ended with a prayer for the welfare of the city. Refreshments were appreciated.<br /><br /> SUSAN WILDMAN<br /> <br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
Supporting Homelessness services & Saving on Utility Bills</h3>
For many years our congregations have supported homelessness charity Caring in Bristol, whose focus has been on providing shelter and services to homeless people around Christmas.<br /><br /> The charity has written to tell us that they have made a significant step up in the services they provide by taking on the management of a central Bristol homeless shelter. They are looking to generate extra income to support this extension of their services and have brought to our attention that locally based gas and electricity supplier Bristol Energy has agreed to donate £15 per utility to Caring in Bristol for each new customer switching their supply to Bristol Energy quoting the code CARING001, so if you switched your gas and electricity they would donate £30.<br /><br /> Bristol Energy offers competitive gas and electricity prices and special reduced tariffs for customers with a BS post code.<br /><br /> Paul Wheeler<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sponsor a Pane</h3>
I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you about the latest position regarding the Chapel Windows. As you may know, there is a special Contingency Fund which is specifically for the ongoing maintenance and repair of the windows. A very successful way of boosting this fund is the ‘Sponsor a Pane’ scheme. Each plaque mirrors the 16 panes in the window and I am still trying to find the remaining 5 Sponsors for the fourth plaque.<br /><br /> It is now 5 years since the two front windows were completely renewed at Frenchay, the other four were repaired and the frames were all painted, inside and out. We have been advised that the two side windows are in need of some repairs, but fortunately do not need replacing as originally thought. All of the outside window frames and any necessary repairs will need be done this year. Quotations have been obtained for this work which it is hoped will be commenced in the next few months. <br /><br /> I would be very grateful if you would let any friends or family also know should they be interested in this ‘Sponsor a Pane’ scheme. <br /><br /> I saw these photos below the other day which reminded me of how far we’ve come and how wonderfully the windows enhance the beauty of this special Chapel. <br /><br /> With best regards,<br /><br /> Pauline Furnivall, Frenchay Chapel Windows Appeal Fund Secretary</div>
markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-63499584489388392502013-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:002018-12-12T01:54:20.076-08:00Christmas Newsletter 2018<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Sunday 2nd December</h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
(1st Sunday in Advent)</h4>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIO0-qEZFDc6-kuZ-4_GpTK1hMFcbWUojBzQrWiCeElpwGBCAg7hFKf8mTiCqOmwCsTLQxoHUkIN9EvtHbGwDJN7sX1dVOxCHYTA3G_vdjbyeeR9TtGm5VariuQdQyX8uQ6qCq0_mrbW-/s1600/advent+candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIO0-qEZFDc6-kuZ-4_GpTK1hMFcbWUojBzQrWiCeElpwGBCAg7hFKf8mTiCqOmwCsTLQxoHUkIN9EvtHbGwDJN7sX1dVOxCHYTA3G_vdjbyeeR9TtGm5VariuQdQyX8uQ6qCq0_mrbW-/s1600/advent+candles.jpg" /></a><br />
10:30am at Frenchay Chapel - Tree Blessing and Festival of Lights with our Minister, Rev. John Harley<br />
<br />
6pm at Brunswick Square - Tree Blessing and Festival of Lights with our Minister, Rev. John Harley<br />
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Sunday 9th December</h2>
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(2nd Sunday in Advent)</h4>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsHWDoQQGSuiKJgbuFbHe9O5V3OOqgcLWvD9W8eFpUGC3PpNdazF1AnMVIK5WVz2Z2YpXOPj56mvK42cM7S3s2dwBOZY2XY0I1XsXN-Dp4jziiYQGgVLH-K4hyphenhyphenFJDGVrA1ns4rI94B0C3/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsHWDoQQGSuiKJgbuFbHe9O5V3OOqgcLWvD9W8eFpUGC3PpNdazF1AnMVIK5WVz2Z2YpXOPj56mvK42cM7S3s2dwBOZY2XY0I1XsXN-Dp4jziiYQGgVLH-K4hyphenhyphenFJDGVrA1ns4rI94B0C3/s1600/gifts.jpg" /></a></div>
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10:30am at Frenchay Chapel - Gift Service with Gavin Lloyd</div>
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6pm at Brunswick Square - Gift Service with Susan Wildman </div>
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<i>Please bring along items to donate to Caring at Christmas. Click here for list of needed items:</i><br />
<i><a href="https://caringinbristol.co.uk/donation-list/">https://caringinbristol.co.uk/donation-list/</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Sunday 16th December</h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
(3rd Sunday in Advent)</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk43Ftn22zT-WHzDLERPjDczneZsqKIph4T-Dzl-ZT60iq5CysVuUjIbnKVjEQL43iLQ8nqFxS66-zm2gig_34dep4q6PVoCWT7s1OGqto47gk617_23XOdwwA8HSE0owevGKinKBv9AFC/s1600/carols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk43Ftn22zT-WHzDLERPjDczneZsqKIph4T-Dzl-ZT60iq5CysVuUjIbnKVjEQL43iLQ8nqFxS66-zm2gig_34dep4q6PVoCWT7s1OGqto47gk617_23XOdwwA8HSE0owevGKinKBv9AFC/s1600/carols.jpg" /></a><br />
Frenchay 10.30<br /><br />‘Bring and share’ worship exploring Advent, the winter solstice, Hanukkah and Christmas. Do feel free to bring a reading, poem, music, meditation, chant, story..... the sky’s the limit.<br /><br />UMB<br /><br />Shared lunch 12.30.<br /><br />Special Christmas Bright Lights. 1-2.30. A creative intergenerational time for all the family and anyone of any age. All welcome. This time we will be making garlands and decorating gingerbread people. Do bring any ivy, ribbon, yarn etc to make our garlands. We will be playing games also.<br /><br />Carol Service. 3-4pm. Join us for carols, readings and hearing the ancient story of the Oak King and the Holly King. For all ages.<br />
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5bjkYtefhf-qS1fGpl2_w3fAXbnSFg6U2Vr6YqRmhe59gT_keZNQL_RmRQHbC1_A5qkEqJCt17jepsgnR7uCwrQmlWZgNyVm-flJtS8FTELBoLYMxnHzrAVWhgi9ilAQdEHmB4z5TXs/s1600/happy+christmas+eve+EVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcL5bjkYtefhf-qS1fGpl2_w3fAXbnSFg6U2Vr6YqRmhe59gT_keZNQL_RmRQHbC1_A5qkEqJCt17jepsgnR7uCwrQmlWZgNyVm-flJtS8FTELBoLYMxnHzrAVWhgi9ilAQdEHmB4z5TXs/s1600/happy+christmas+eve+EVE.jpg" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday 23rd December</div>
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</h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
(4th Sunday in Advent)</h4>
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10:30am at Frenchay Chapel AND 6pm at Brunswick Square - Happy Christmas Eve EVE Service with Karl and Mark Stewart - festive thanksgiving with a fun theme!<br />
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<h2>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_qmewP0I9j3muXJkuRMWUvEUs_HDZOzXV3zc6Yc7ySlCalbhdjWp17tllsoytVrFdSKd27dY4I9WMT1NeI71fUUVPqrEN2U7Bh062Th4-zxznRhU8CeX1fPIPSti5g5dh-q8GIoWadXN/s1600/baby+jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_qmewP0I9j3muXJkuRMWUvEUs_HDZOzXV3zc6Yc7ySlCalbhdjWp17tllsoytVrFdSKd27dY4I9WMT1NeI71fUUVPqrEN2U7Bh062Th4-zxznRhU8CeX1fPIPSti5g5dh-q8GIoWadXN/s1600/baby+jesus.jpg" /></a></h2>
<h2>
Tuesday 25th December</h2>
<h4>
(Christmas Day!!!)<br />
</h4>
10:30am at Frenchay Chapel - Short Christmas Day Service<br />
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<i>No services at either chapel on Sunday 30th December. </i></h3>
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<h3>
All welcome to any of our Christmas gatherings!!!</h3>
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<h3 class="western">
</h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
An Advent Message from our Minister</h2>
<h3 class="western">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWbD8U8hIUyC425z2mzjGYStN0icWjxi6DW15wFWTr4toHkbuGUFE_BTD6NtgWfVU8vjjt9IdLvCDIMBdsfgnNRhvHnaqyX_njrkBen7KKVO0f_LFheRbfJyN70ro0Z_hXsUBSl77z9Fb/s1600/Sea+watching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1094" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWbD8U8hIUyC425z2mzjGYStN0icWjxi6DW15wFWTr4toHkbuGUFE_BTD6NtgWfVU8vjjt9IdLvCDIMBdsfgnNRhvHnaqyX_njrkBen7KKVO0f_LFheRbfJyN70ro0Z_hXsUBSl77z9Fb/s320/Sea+watching.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sea-Watching </h3>
Grey waters, vast<br />
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<br />
as an area of prayer<br />
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<br />
that one enters. Daily<br />
<br />
<br />
over a period of years<br />
<br />
<br />
I have let my eye rest on them.<br />
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<br />
Was I waiting for something?<br />
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Nothing </div>
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<br /></div>
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but that continuous waving </div>
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that is without meaning </div>
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occurred. </div>
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Ah, but a rare bird is </div>
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rare. It is when one is not looking </div>
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at times one is not there </div>
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that it comes. </div>
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You must wear your eyes out </div>
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<br /></div>
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as others their knees. </div>
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I became the hermit </div>
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of the rocks, habited with the wind </div>
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and the mist. There were days, </div>
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so beautiful the emptiness </div>
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it might have filled, </div>
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its absence </div>
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was as its presence; not to be told </div>
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any more, so single my mind </div>
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after its long fast, </div>
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my watching from praying. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
– R.S. Thomas </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Laboratories of the Spirit, 1975 </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first glance this poem doesn’t seem connected with the season
of Advent but on reflection it acknowledges the power of waiting, of
being patient in life. Thomas compares the mystery of prayer to
gazing towards the endless sea with the hope of glimpsing something
of value. In our society we are fed the constant messages of ‘speed
up’ and ‘don’t waste time’ – in fast food restaurants we
are bombarded with reds and yellows to persuade us to hurry up and
computers boast the incredible speed of their microchips. ‘Drive
Thrus’ are cropping up everywhere! The season of Advent invites our
souls to inhabit the darkness and wait, to make peace with the gentle
process of seeing what might emerge. We know that a holy birth is in
the runes but for now we have to survive the long nights and adapt to
the spiritual practice of watching the shadows with uncertainty. We
might want to ask questions in this time of not knowing. Waiting in
the darkness before the excitement of a birth and before the promise
of the returning sun of the winter solstice can make us feel more
vulnerable and smaller but this period of fallow in Advent is full of
riches. Can we dare to accept the many invitations offered to us at
Advent? To slow down, to live in anticipation and befriend the
fertile regions of silence, inaction and uncertainty in our lives.
Can you allow yourself to fall into Advent fully and not try and race
onto Christmas?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
John Harley</div>
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<h2 style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
From the Desk</h2>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Off to advent.
Christmas here we come. Another year passes and here we are again at
the crossroads of all the decisions, what shall I buy and who for,
what do I get someone who has everything? I have often found myself
wondering where to begin. Or even how to make sense of it all, with
the early Christmas music being piped through shop hi-fi’s and
window displays, and all the Christmas saturation in the media.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, with that I’ve
stopped to take a step aside from the commercial trappings, and I can
only but think, that the best gift I can give, is that of simplicity.
It’s a gift to be simple, a gift to be kind and a gift to be true.
I wonder if we just need to look back on the true meaning, where a
few were simply gathered at the birth of a baby, who was called
Christ. And a ‘mass’ is the a few or more that gather to
celebrate.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Over the coming
Sundays when we meet at all the various destinations, through the
time of Advent, we will be celebrating many aspects of world
traditions. Perhaps we can interpret the essence of these traditions
to all be about simple and true gift giving in the hospitality which
we’ll share together, as we gather in the spirit of faith, care,
compassion and giving. Most of all, gratitude is the simple gift, and
with gratitude, I’d like to thank everyone for all that has been
done over the year, and all that continues to be done. All we do
matters. I hope we an all give in the way of what the heart and
conscience affords.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As we journey
together as an Advent people, share with all who you meet the
simplest of gifts. And I hope we will realise the light within
ourselves, as we shine it for others.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Yours in faith with
love and care.</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Karl Stewart. Chair
UMB.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Caring in Bristol - Caring at Christmas</h2>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Christmas over 700 volunteers came together to support over 1000 homeless and vulnerable people with shelter, warmth, food, activities, advice and good company. This year Caring at Christmas are expanding their work to provide much-needed support for homeless families who will spend their Christmas in temporary accommodation. To do this requires ongoing financial donations.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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A donation of £39 pays for someone to access Caring at Christmas for five days, where they will have access to: a warm bed each night, hot meals, shower and fresh clothes, a warm welcome and good company, wellbeing and social activities, emotional and medical support.</div>
<br />
<br />
Paul Wheeler<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Remembering
our friend, Grace Cooper, with love…</h2>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Just
a note on our dear friend, and long-standing, dedicated and vital
member of both Bristol Unitarian congregations for many decades, who
passed away on Tuesday 27<sup>th</sup> November. Please get in touch
if you would like contact details for Grace’s niece Susan, who is
organising the funeral arrangements.
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="mailto:info@bristolunitarians.co.uk">info@bristolunitarians.co.uk</a></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-25375316530022709642013-09-12T12:29:00.025-07:002020-10-25T13:41:08.093-07:00 Inspirations from Julian of Norwich Service<p> </p><br /><br /><h1 style="text-align: center;">Inspirations from Julian of Norwich </h1><div style="text-align: center;">(Download PDF of service: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yZGlnad2-bJyrmUkIMexW2ywtI_Q0vPP/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yZGlnad2-bJyrmUkIMexW2ywtI_Q0vPP/view?usp=sharing</a>)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">by Wade Miller-Knight, Lay Preacher </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Frenchay 25th Oct 2020 </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Opening Music (play the first 2 mins 40 secs) <br /><br />“Surrender to the Divine” by Enza Currenti <br /><br /><a href="https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%22love+the+Divine%22+youtube+song&&view=detail&mid=116B17BA135AAE5D6AD5116B17BA135AAE5D6AD5&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3D%2522love%2Bthe%2BDivine%2522%2Byoutube%2Bsong%26go%3DSearch%26qs%3Dds%26form%3DQBVR">https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%22love+the+Divine%22+youtube+song&&view=detail&mid=116B17BA135AAE5D6AD5116B17BA135AAE5D6AD5&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3D%2522love%2Bthe%2BDivine%2522%2Byoutube%2Bsong%26go%3DSearch%26qs%3Dds%26form%3DQBVR</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Opening Words<br /> <br /></h2><br /> <br /><br />Come into the spirit of curiosity, exploration and questioning offered by this community. <br /><br />Come into our calming, creative, warm-hearted, accepting energy.<br /> Come into the quiet space of sanctuary, wherever you are. <br /><br />Let’s feel the sense of peace and welcome the presence of Spirit among us and within us. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Chalice Lighting </h2><br />The chalice candle is a symbol that links Unitarians worldwide. May we be drawn together by its light. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Opening prayer </h2><br />Let us connect our hearts, our minds, and our souls, with Spirit – with the Greater Wholeness.... <br /><br />Let us be gentle and sensitive, <br /><br /> into the peacefulness of this time; <br /><br /> gentle into the gladness of our united togetherness, both those of us in the chapel and those here with eyes and ears and hearts and souls; <br /><br /> gentle and sensitive into the field of spirituality for our shared purpose. <br /><br />Let us feel the kind, and calm, energy of the sacred, here among us, <br /><br />of that Presence in the deepmost place of our hearts, <br /><br />that strength, and love, and wisdom: within us, and beyond us - beyond all matter and mind. <br /><br />May we be receptive to the abundance of Good, limitlessly flowing from the Cosmic Fountain of all goodness; <br /><br />May be receptive to the abundance of soft and gentle Inner Light, ever radiating from the Cosmic Source of all Light.... <br /><br />And may we be receptive to the abundance of beauty and of loveliness within us, around us, and in the vast Cosmos in which each of us is a blessed expression, and a unique, distinct, and precious person. <br /><br />May we all know ourselves as blessed. <br /><br />So may it be. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Candles for Joys and Concerns </h2><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Hymn #35 in the purple book “Find a stillness” lyrics by Carl Seaburg </h2><br />Beautifully clear singing (especially by the lady) on youtube here: <br /><br /><a href="https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=find+a+stillness+youtube&docid=608044967109788554&mid=C46AF34313ABD6EA4CAEC46AF34313ABD6EA4CAE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE">https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=find+a+stillness+youtube&docid=608044967109788554&mid=C46AF34313ABD6EA4CAEC46AF34313ABD6EA4CAE&view=detail&FORM=VIRE</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>2nd prayer </h2><br /><br /> <br /><br />Spirit of love and harmony ~ <br /><br />We bring our concerns and longings <br /><br /> for those whom we love; <br /><br /> for those whom we know; <br /><br /> for everyone; and <br /><br /> for all that lives on Earth, and in the great Beyond: <br /><br />We ask for healing wherever it is needed, <br /><br />We ask for relief and release from suffering for all who need it, <br /><br />for gentleness, grace and large-hearted goodness. <br /><br />and for wholeness, <br /><br />We ask for Light and Love, and especially for those who suffer from too much stress, or loneliness, <br /><br />and all who face difficulties that are hard to bear or to resolve. <br /><br />We pray for peace, and love, and grace. <br /><br />We ask for all that is in our best interest to receive, <br /><br />in the spirit of the love and harmony that is everywhere in the Universe. <br /><br />May we all be blessed. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Silence </h2><br />Let’s pause for a couple of minutes in silence. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Readings: Seven Short Selections from Julian’s Words </h2><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h3>God, Our True Rest </h3><br />This is the cause why we are not at rest in heart and soul: that here we seek rest in things that are so little that there is no rest in them, and we do not know our God who is all mighty, all wise, and all good. <br /><br />God is true rest. No soul can have rest until it finds that created things are empty. When the soul gives up all for love, so that it can have the One that is all, then it finds true rest. Until I am one with God, I can never have true rest nor peace – I can never know it until I am held so close to God that there is nothing in-between. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h3>God Holds Us When We Fall </h3><br />A mother may sometimes let her child fall and suffer in various ways, so that it may learn by its mistakes. But she will never allow any real harm to come to the child, because of her love. A mother’s caring is the closest, nearest and surest, for it is the truest. <br /><br />And our God, like a heavenly Mother, when we fall, holds us lovingly, and graciously and swiftly raises us: in all this work, taking the part of a kind nurse who has no other care but the welfare of her child. Utterly at home, God lives in us for ever. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h3>Turn to God </h3><br />Some of us believe that God is all wise and all powerful and can do everything, but, as for feeling that God is all love, we hold back. God wills that we should give up our senseless worrying and faithless fear. Our desire is to love God humbly and to trust God totally. <br /><br />God says: ‘Do not blame yourself too much, thinking that your trouble and distress is all your fault. For it is not my will that you should be unduly sad and despondent, depressed by false fears which make us so weary and dejected that we let our Everlasting Friend slip from our minds’. It is not God’s will that we should busy ourselves with self-accusation, nor that we should despise ourselves. But it is God’s will that we should quickly turn to God, for we are God’s joy and delight. <br /><br />If we fall, we are to get up quickly, for the worst pain a soul can have is to let anything take us away from God. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Prayer </h2><br />This is God’s will: that our prayer and our trust should be equally generous. For if our trust is not as generous as our prayer, we hinder and harm ourselves. <br /><br />Sometimes it seems that we have been praying a long time and still do not have what we ask. But we should not be sad. I am sure that what God means is that either we should wait for a better time or a better gift. <br /><br />If we do what we can, then we shall find in God all that we lack. Prayer is an understanding which comes from deep desire and sure trust. <br /><br />I saw and understood that God’s great overflowing goodness brings all our gifts to fulfilment. <br /><br />Prayer makes the soul one with God. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h3>God in all </h3><br />God is the still point at the centre. <br /><br />There is no doer but God. <br /><br />All this, God showed me with great joy, saying ‘See, I am God. See, I am in all things. See, I never take my hands off my work. See, I lead all things to the end I have prepared for them. I do this by the same wisdom and love and power through which I made them. How can anything be done that is not well done?’ <br /><br />God wants us to know that he keeps us safe through good and ill. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h3>We Shall Not Be Overcome </h3><br />Though we are in such pain, trouble and distress that it seems to us that we are unable to think of anything except how and what we feel, yet God wills that we should understand that if we know and love God reverently, we shall have rest and be at peace, and we shall rejoice in all that God does. <br /><br />Pain alone blames and punishes. Our God comforts and succours. <br /><br />God did not say ‘You shall not be tempest-tossed, you shall not be work-weary, you shall not be discomforted’. But God did say ‘You shall not be overcome’ – so that we shall always be strong in trust, both in sorrow and in joy. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h3>We Shall Never Be Lost </h3><br />Humanity in God’s thought has always been known and loved. From God we come, in God we are enfolded, to God we return. <br /><br />Because of the storms and sorrows that beset us here, we often seem to be dead in spirit – by human judgement. But I saw that God is our true peace. God watches over us when we can find no rest, and works continually to bring us to peace that shall never end. <br /><br />In God’s everlasting love, everyone’s soul is kept safe. In this endless love, we are led and looked after by God and never shall be lost. <br /><br />We shall find in God our everlasting joy – and this by God’s foreseeing purpose since before time was. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Song by Meg Barnhouse (words on the video) </h2><br />[ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kadbd3tCqc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kadbd3tCqc</a> ] <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><h2>Address </h2><br />In the seven short readings from Julian’s words that we heard, as translated into modern English by Sheila Upjohn, I hear several themes – all, naturally, closely connected to the Divine. <br /><br />One of her threads is expressed in words like “stillness”, “peace”, and “rest” – fruits of spiritual living that nowadays we are most likely to have heard as benefits of meditation. For Julian, these are aspects of God. <br /><br />Another Julian theme is the motherly qualities she experiences in the Divine, like kindness, and care for our welfare. <br /><br />Then there’s God’s limitless and unconditional love for us and Julian’s call to us for prayer and trust in God. <br /><br />And there’s her conviction that everything is in God’s care and works out for Good. We are all safe in God’s hands. God is the doer of everything, and all is done well. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />So.... what are we to make of this? <br /><br />Perhaps you can only begin to answer that question for yourself by reflecting on a basic question, which could be put this way: “to what extent do I take her word for it?” <br /><br />Is the Divine truly as she experienced it? Do we trust Julian’s intuition on what she says where we do not have enough intuition of our own to know with confidence from within? <br /><br />And what is the value, the meaning, of Julian’s words for ourselves? How might she help our own spiritual life? <br /><br />How, for you, is the comfort, the assurance, in her voice, in her experience, in the feeling you detect in her through her words, and between the words? <br /><br />That assurance that we may be tested – “tempest-tossed” she called it – we can imagine, feeling like managing a sailing boat in a wild north-east wind far out on the cold North Sea. Tempest-ed by what Western society calls ‘hard luck’, maybe; discomforted, almost certainly; but never overcome. Never defeated. I’ve read that Japanese Samurai used to say “Seven times down, eight times up”. Resilience – setbacks happen, but never a permanent defeat. <br /><br />That sense Julian has of God as like a good mother, sometimes letting us stumble so that we can learn, but never letting us come to real harm. <br /><br />And what of the trust in the Divine that she advises? Trust that the Divine Mother “holds us lovingly” and cares for us absolutely. <br /><br />This is no theology led by book-learning and driven by men’s desires for power over others: this is the heart of a God-loving soul, speaking from pure experience. <br /><br />What of giving up worrying and faithless fear? How much space do we have in our map of how Spirit is, for that strength of trust? <br /><br />“God is the still point at the centre”, Julian tells us. How does that feel when you hear it? At the centre of all the change, all the motion and commotion, all the politics and arguing, at the centre of me, of you, of everything, is a still point, and that still point is where everything is in complete harmony. <br /><br />Those of us who meditate, have we sensed a glimmer or a hint of that stillness? <br /><br />Many times, Julian speaks of “rest” or “peace”. There is no rest in earthly things; they are ever-changing. God is true rest. When we are one with God, “when we know and love God, we shall have rest and be at peace”, “peace that shall never end”. This is the nirvana of the Buddhists. And more than that, “we shall find in God our everlasting joy”. All our unfulfilled longings are satisfied when “we know God in the fullness of joy”. This is the bliss, the ananda, of the Hindus. How do we receive this? What would it take for us to feel we can trust Julian’s experience that God is peace, that in God is our joy? <br /><br />Then there is love. Julian speaks of us loving God, of us “striving to know and love God” - though, at least in the little book I have sourced these quotations from, she speaks much more of God’s love for us than of our love for God. “God is all love.” “In God’s everlasting love, everyone’s soul is kept safe. In this endless love, we are led and looked after by God.” <br /><br />My impression is that Julian doesn’t expect us to love a God whom we don’t actually intimately know. Rather, she knows God is all love, and she invites us to take her word for it, and trust God before we properly know God, give thanks to God, and pray – until that time comes “when the soul gives up all for love”. <br /><br />As far as I know, none of us are living a truly intense, intimately God-centred life, like Julian’s life, or closely similar. But hopefully we can nevertheless draw sustenance and nurture and comfort from what Julian has written. <br /><br />We have sampled a little of it today. That God is for you and me the God Julian knows so well cannot be “proved” or “disproved” by rational argument. Spiritual perceptions are outside the domain of science. The only verification in such matters of the heart and the spirit is personal experience, because everyone’s experience of Spirit is different. The Divine in my experience is not exactly the same as Julian experienced, because my spiritual journey has not been the same as hers, because my language for my spiritual experiences is not the same as hers, and because my everyday personality is different from hers. <br /><br />To illustrate this with an example. Our cultures affect how we experience spiritual things. Julian uses some words that only a Christian would be likely to use, such as “the Holy Spirit” and “sin”; an Indian saint of similarly intense devotion, Kabir for example, uses words such as “Guru” and “Brahma” that Julian could not have used. <br /><br />Shall we gain in understanding and appreciation of the inner life from Julian, not by picking out words, rather by opening ourselves to the depth and the sustainment and the spiritual substance of Julian’s personal experience, her feelings as they show through her words? <br /><br />Shall we receive uplift and understanding for our own relationship with Spirit – not as a blueprint for some Correct Way to Be, rather as inspiration, and resonating within us as support, strengthening our commitment to move forward along our own path, whatever path that may be, and however fast or slowly we may be advancing along it? <br /><br />That is what I hear Julian inviting us to reflect on. <br /><br />Myself, reflecting, I hear two simple messages most clearly: One: that Spirit is reliable – so Trust God. And the other: love. Feel God loving you, and strive to love God yourself. Love from God is at the centre of all the love we give, and all the love we receive. <br /><br />That is what I hear in Julian’s spirituality, coming from the heart and soul of a marvellously good woman, untainted by any theologies.markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-19066168081053801022013-09-12T12:27:00.001-07:002021-06-02T12:32:36.736-07:00Celebrating May Day and Labour Day on 2 May 2021 - Service with Rev. John HarleyThe May Carol – Kyle Carey, Josienne Clarke, Ben Walker <br /><br />Listen at: <br /><br />https://open.spotify.com/track/1S19ipAvMUqKYxAKlNacTc?si=012c0118d5fd44d4<div><br /><div> <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Beltane is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaels">Gaelic</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day">May Day</a> festival. Most commonly it is held on 1 May, or about halfway between the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_equinox">spring equinox</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice">summer solstice</a>. Beltane marked the beginning of the pastoral summer season, when livestock were driven out to the summer pastures <br /><br /><i>Light Chalice </i><br /><br />We light this chalice alongside Unitarians and people of many faiths around the world this morning. <br /><i><br /> For the Web of Life </i>By Paul Sprecher <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.uua.org/worship/words/chalice-lighting/web-life">For the Web of Life | WorshipWeb | UUA.org</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><i>Opening words </i><br /><br />Some words taken from the Crowning of the May Queen. "The leaves are budding across the land on the ash and oak and hawthorn trees. Magic rises around us in the forest and the hedges are filled with laughter and love. Dear lady, we offer you a gift, a gathering of flowers picked by our hands, woven into the circle of endless life. The bright colors of nature herself blend together to honor you, Queen of spring, as we give you honor this day. Spring is here and the land is fertile, ready to offer up gifts in your name. we pay you tribute, our lady, daughter of the Fae,and ask your blessing this Beltane." - Beltane Prayers <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><i>Hymn 181 – purple book </i><br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQDka_vN2Ns">Wake Now My Senses (Hymn) - YouTube</a> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> May Day is also a traditional holiday in many countries originating from various Celtic and German festivals. May Day marks the beginning of farmable spring in the Northern hemisphere and was associated with pagan and neo-pagan festivals. As Europe became Christianized, pagan holidays merged with or replaced Christian holidays. May Day is most closely associated with Easter - when small baskets of sweets and/or flowers were usually left secretly on neighbors doorsteps. <br /><br /> The earliest May Day celebration appeared BC, with the festival of Flora (the Roman Goddess of flowers). In Europe and America, May Day tradition involves dancing around the Maypole and crowning of the "Queen of the May." May 1 was one of the most important holidays for the Druids of the British Isles. the day was thought to divide the year in half. The other half ended at Samhain on November 1st. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><i> Decorating Houses </i><br /><br /> May Day began early in the morning. People would go out before sunrise in order to gather flowers and greenery to decorate their houses and villages with the belief that the vegetation spirits would bring good fortune. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><i> Washing in the early morning dew <br /></i><br /> Girls would make a special point of washing their faces in the dew of the early morning. They believed this made them very beautiful for the following year. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> The rest of the day was given over to various festivities. There was dancing on the village green, archery contest and exhibitions of strength. The highlight of the day was the crowning of the May Queen, the human replica of Flora. By tradition she took no part in the games or dancing, but sat like a queen in a flower-decked chair to watch her 'subjects'. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><i>Unite, Unite, let us all unite </i><br /><br />Trad p62 in The Seasons – The Nation’s Most Treasured Nature Poems <br /><br />May Day in Oxford – when I was at the Poly for 3 years studying art and history of art <br /><br />May day – getting up early around 4 – seeing Morris dancers and jugglers, having a drink in a pub at 5, seeing crowds in the streets <br /><br />Unite, Unite let us all unite <br /><br />Think of all the happy occasions when you have been merrymaking or having fun with companions perhaps in times before the pandemic – dancing, picnicking, partying, being entertained by street artists <br /><br /><i>Silence <br /></i><br />Who would you like to send that spirit of fun and merrymaking and companionship in these moments? <br /><br />P47 Hafiz – <i>If God invited you to a party </i><br /><br /><a href="https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/if-god-invited-you-party">Poem: If God Invited You To A Party by Shams al-Din Hafiz (poetrynook.com)</a> <br /><br /><i>The Lark Ascending –</i> Ralph Vaughan Williams<br /><br />https://open.spotify.com/track/07CqaVziNa9Ib2A0WU1LTT?si=f03619b9f1ad4e6f <br /><br /><i><br />Candles of Joy and Concern</i><br /> <br /><br />Pray for what you cannot see. Pray clearly for what you can only faintly grasp. Pray silently from the core of your being. Pray for healing. Pray for humanity. Pray lovingly Pray deeply --- pray so deeply that the prayer and the praying become one. <br /><br /> by Charlie Elkind <br /><br /><br /><br /><i><u>Early Air/Tullochgorum </u></i>– Kathryn Tickell – The Side <br /><br />https://open.spotify.com/track/6LCURmp8nzPn0k3zx7NO90?si=51063278e6d34a87 <br /><br /> <br /><i><br /> Labor Day - or International workers day</i><br /> <br /><br /> May 1st - International Workers day<br /><br /> Day to celebrate hard work of the working classes and trade unions, it started in 1880s after protests for the 8 hour working day. Labor day is a national holiday in many countries of the world. In the US celebrated in September. <br /><br /> Kerala (India) and other communist states observe this holiday in a dedicated fashion. <br /><br /> Subsequently, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day_Riots_of_1894">May Day Riots of 1894</a> occurred. The May Day riots of 1894 were a series of violent demonstrations that occurred throughout <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland">Cleveland</a>, Ohio on May 1, 1894 (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day">May Day</a>). Cleveland's unemployment rate increased dramatically during the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_of_1893">Panic of 1893</a>. Finally, riots broke out among the unemployed who condemned city leaders for their ineffective relief measures.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day_riots_of_1894#cite_note-1">[1]</a><br /><br /> In 1955, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church">Catholic Church</a> dedicated May 1 to "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph">Saint Joseph</a> -The Worker". Saint Joseph is for the Church the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patron_saint">patron saint</a> of workers and craftsmen (among others).<br /><br /> A story about work from the Sufi tradition<br /><br /> And a poem about work <br /><br /> Some selected stanzas from<br /> <br /><br /><b> THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH </b><br /><br /> Henry Wadsworth Longfellow <br /><br /> Under a spreading chestnut-tree <br /><br /> The village smithy stands; <br /><br /> The smith, a mighty man is he, <br /><br /> With large and sinewy hands; <br /><br /> And the muscles of his brawny arms <br /><br /> Are strong as iron bands. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> His hair is crisp, and black, and long, <br /><br /> His face is like the tan; <br /><br /> His brow is wet with honest sweat, <br /><br /> He earns whate'er he can, <br /><br /> And looks the whole world in the face, <br /><br /> For he owes not any man. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Week in, week out, from morn till night, <br /><br /> You can hear his bellows blow; <br /><br /> You can hear him swing his heavy sledge, <br /><br /> With measured beat and slow, <br /><br /> Like a sexton ringing the village bell, <br /><br /> When the evening sun is low. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> He goes on Sunday to the church, <br /><br /> And sits among his boys; <br /><br /> He hears the parson pray and preach, <br /><br /> He hears his daughter's voice, <br /><br /> Singing in the village choir, <br /><br /> And it makes his heart rejoice. <br /> <br /> Toiling,---rejoicing,---sorrowing, <br /><br /> Onward through life he goes; <br /><br /> Each morning sees some task begin, <br /><br /> Each evening sees it close; <br /><br /> Something attempted, something done, <br /><br /> Has earned a night's repose. <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /><i> The Unthanks</i><br /> https://open.spotify.com/track/1MduQ3Ie5f4rcEzxIF1ORt?si=58c23d6f080344b9 <br /><br /><br /> The Village Blacksmith perfectly captures the traditional work ethic of yesteryear <br /><br /> Have we lost those times? How many of us do such physical toil for our work and how many of us perfect a craft like metal working. <br /><br /><br /> Words by Walter Crane, The Workers' Maypole, 1894 <br /><br /> <br /><br /> ..Let the winds lift your banners from far lands <br /><br /> With a message of strife and of hope: <br /><br /> Raise the Maypole aloft with its garlands <br /><br /> That gathers your cause in its scope.... <br /><br /> ...Stand fast, then, Oh Workers, your ground, <br /><br /> Together pull, strong and united: <br /><br /> Link your hands like a chain the world round, <br /><br /> If you will that your hopes be requited. <br /><br /> When the World's Workers, sisters and brothers, <br /><br /> Shall build, in the new coming years, <br /><br /> A lair house of life—not for others, <br /><br /> For the earth and its fulness is theirs. <br /><br /><br /><br /> You would have thought that now we are in 2021 we would have won the long path to gain workers rights and secure jobs but maybe we have gone backwards – only in March<br /> <br /><br /> Supreme court rules against Asda in workers' equal pay case<br /><br /> Ruling says shop workers, who are mostly women, can compare work to those, mainly men, in distribution centr<br /> <br /><br /> The win by Asda workers could lead to a £500m compensation claim and is the first major stage of a long-running court battle that has implications for staff in all the big supermarkets. <br /><br /> Wendy Arundale, who worked for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/asda">Asda</a> for 32 years, said: “I’m delighted that shop floor workers are one step closer to achieving equal pay. <br /><br /> “I loved my job but knowing that male colleagues working in distribution centres were being paid more left a bitter taste in my mouth.” <br /><br /> And that is just the UK – we would need weeks to consider workers rights across the globe – South Africa, Bangladesh, China, <br /><br /> Cooperative Bank – ‘for people with purpose’ – I not convinced about this strap line – what about people who have lost their purpose? Are they not welcome to open current accounts? <br /><br /> But are they tapping into something here? <br /><br /> Is purpose one of the biggest issues today for us a society? <br /><br /> If traditional customs of employment gave people a role, a niche in society how can we in modern times, when there are few jobs for life available, give our citizens a strong place to make a difference? <br /><br /> After the financial squeeze of the pandemic in the UK have young people and older people for that matter got less chance of getting a job? Or – with the rise of those doing crucial roles as volunteers – an amazing phenomenon during the lockdowns - are we witnessing a revolution in the way people give to society? Is the government behind in catching up with this change? <br /><br /> This pandemic and these lockdowns seem to have been terrible for some people’s sense of purpose and self -esteem – can we transform the way we see work and people’s sense of value? <br /><br /> Are the Green party ahead of their time when they are campaigning for a universal basic income for every resident?<br /> <br /><br /><i> Brigid </i><br /><br /><br /> A few brief thoughts around the theme of International Labour Day &how it connects to us as Unitarians. <br /><br /> As Anthony Leslie Dawson, historian & young Unitarian in Manchester, <br /><br /> said “As a movement we believe in the inherent worth & dignity of every human being & of all life” <br /><br /> Turning to the website of the American Unitarian Universalists, it proudly says <br /><br /> “We act in partnership with groups & communities most impacted by injustice at local, national & the international level” we give witness, that means “the spiritual practice of taking a public position in support of justice” <br /><br /> There is a long tradition in both the US of Unitarian involvement in social justice, workers’ rights & in the UK especially in the past. <br /><br /> So, on this weekend when we celebrate both the early, joyful Spring into Summer of MayDay & the International Labour day Bank holiday, we acknowledge & remember the social reform role played by early Unitarians, who have often led Reform by changing the Rules as well as breaking them! <br /><br /> The roots of Unitarianism lie mainly in the Reformation of the 16C, by people who broke away from the Church of England, viewed as dissenters from the mainstream. An open religion, insistent on the right of all to free enquiry, whose supporters were often urban & educated, saw the plight of the poor & lack of rights or any participation in civic life. <br /><br /> It was inevitable that Unitarians (among other religious dissenters), often denied the freedom to practice their religion of choice, to discuss or to build a chapel or place of assembly, would empathise with those who had even less freedom, the majority of working people. The movement itself attracted people who chose to follow their own conscience & pursuit of truth & justice, rather than doctrines of the C of E or Parliament. Let’s remember this was before Universal Suffrage - a Parliament of the landowners & wealthy, men only, passing laws to suit them. <br /><br /> Some of you may be thinking & it’s true that there were over the centuries & especially since the 19C, many reforms which improved the lives of working people in the UK, better wages, health & safety, & later the NHS & pensions etc. However, over the last couple of decades, some of these gains have been sliding backwards - 14m people in poverty, over 60% of benefits claimants are working , the working poor, whose children live in poverty, children admitted to hospital for malnutrition increased in 2021. That is preventable, surely? Then there are the millions around the world who still don’t partake of the earth’s bounty or even a seat at the table. <br /><br /> So, let’s recall the Mantra, shall we name it, of our Unitarian Universalist friends in the US. Let’s leave “a legacy of Deeds not Creeds” <br /><br /> “Our work for a better world calls us to unexpected places as we harness love’s power to stop oppression..... we put our faith into action” <br /><br /> So let’s do it not viewing it as a duty, a burden but do it with joy” <br /><br /> Brigid B<br /> <br /><br /><i> Some prayers to finish <br /></i><br /><br /> No matter what field your work lies in <br /><br /> If you do something real <br /><br /> Something genuine in that field <br /><br /> It will live on after you <br /><br /> And that part of you will be eternal <br /><br /> by Ken Walsh <br /><br /><br /><br /> Written on the grave of the novelist Winifred Holtby at Rudstone, Yorkshire: <br /><br /> God give me work til my life shall end and life til my work is done <br /><br /><br /> <a href="https://www.inspiringquotes.us/author/3472-julian-of-norwich/about-earth">Be a Gardener. Dig a ditch. Toil and sweat. And turn the earth upside down. And seek the deepness. And water plants in time. Continue this labor. And make sweet floods to run, and noble and abundant fruits to spring. Take this food and drink, and carry it to God as your true worship.”</a><br /><br /><br /></div><div> <u>Julian of Norwich </u><br /><br />Hymn 147 purple book <br /><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7Z3d9jCOJ8">Spirit of Earth, Root Stone and Tree - YouTube</a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Closing Words </i>Hymn to the Light By David Breeden <br /><br />Our light is the light of the sun, keeper of all we love; our light is the light of the earth, provider of sustenance; our light is the light of all living things, life precious like our own. our light is the light of each of us, bound together in need and hope; our light is the light of the cosmos, keeper of all we know. <br /><br /><br /><br />Music: <i>Beltane</i> by Lisa Thiel</div><div><br />https://open.spotify.com/track/1gPudL7luhA0Lf2EP37XBa?si=0cb9844352bd43db</div></div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-14632608690648934162013-09-12T12:12:00.001-07:002020-09-28T12:15:56.167-07:00What is the truth - service by Rev John Wilkinson 27.9.2020<p> </p><h1>What is The Truth? </h1><br /><h2>Chalice lighting </h2><br />The Lord said “Let there be Light” <br /><br />And there was light, <br /><br />The light of promise, <br /><br />The light of hope <br /><br />The light of wisdom, <br /><br />The light of knowledge <br /><br />The light of community <br /><br />The light of friendship <br /><br />The light of Love <br /><br />The light of Freedom <br /><br />The light of Tolerance <br /><br />The light of Reason <br /><br />The light of Truth! <br /><br /><h2> 158 The flame of Truth is kindled </h2><br />Let us meditate for a moment - <br /><br />What is Truth? <br /><br /><h2>Silence </h2><br />Plato said that truth depends upon being. <br /><br />According to Hebrew scholars ‘Being and God’ are synonymous. <br /><br />The great existence. <br /><br />“To Be or not to Be? “ <br /><br />‘Being’ is much more than simply existing, “To Be” also implies To Live. <br /><br />The Greek word ‘Theos’ translated as ‘God’ can also be translated as ‘Being’ <br /><br />When combined with ‘Logos’ this gives us the word ‘Theology’ <br /><br />M. Scott Peck said <br /><br />“Theology is an artistic expression of beliefs and emotions which are in the nature of the creation formless, however much we may wish to deny it, it is always to some extent an artificial construct. The human attempt to define the indefinable. Theology is not a definition but an icon or symbol.” <br /><br />If we retranslate the preface to St. John’s Gospel extracting the artistic expressions of belief and emotions, or mystic and religious fantasy, we find that we are left with a secular scientific philosophy that explains something about the creation that has been obscured by the artistic licence. <br /><br />“En Arche en ho Logos” <br /><br />“In the beginning was the word” becomes <br /><br />‘Reason and logic are pre-eminent’. <br /><br />Logic and Reason are essential elements of the eternal existence. <br /><br />And “Logos en pros ton Theos” <br /><br />“The word was with God”become <br /><br />Reason Logic and rationality coexist with being. <br /><br />‘The word was God’ <br /><br />Being has reason/Logic, <br /><br />Reason and logic exist eternally. <br /><br />‘All things are brought into being for a reason’ <br /><br />Nothing is created with out reason. <br /><br />Reason/logic is life <br /><br />Reason/logic is the light of life for humankind. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Aristotle said truth was the absence of falsity <br /><br />“Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free” <br /><br />During the past year the government has come under fire for not being absolutely truthful. <br /><br />Truth like everything else is subjective. <br /><br />What we hear is not always what was intended by the speaker. <br /><br />And a lot of that depends upon what the speaker thinks his audience already understand. <br /><br />According to Susie Dent the lexicographer. <br /><br />English is in fact pretty generous when it comes to the vocabulary of fakery, lies and unsupported facts . <br /><br />The Oxford English Dictionary offers for example , dozens of synonyms for the liar, ranging from the 14th century leasingmonger to the Victorian pseudologist with nods to the falsificator, gabber and wrinkle along the way. <br /><br />If you are taken in by such false stories you are quite possibly a “Gobemouche “ a term borrowed from the French where it means a fly swallower conjuring up the image of someone listening with their mouth open so wide an insect can happily take up residence <br /><br />Gullible is a nod to the Gull in old dialect that meant an unfledged bird swallowing anything as they can . No matter how preposterous . <br /><br />Speaking of preposterous a word based on the Latin post – last and Pre first applied to anything so absurd that the truth seems positively reversed – <br /><br />In the 19th century they showed prescience with the phrase “Come, come, that’s Barnard Castle” used as a response to someone who had offered a flimsy excuse for reprehensible actions. <br /><br />It is said to have begun as a mocking retort to the self justifications of George Downes the steward of Durham’s Barnard Castle who shut himself in the walls during a failed Roman catholic attempt to replace Queen Elizabeth 1st with Mary Queen of Scots . <br /><br />Of course what we all want is the Naked Truth warts and all <br /><br />This phrase takes us back to antiquity and the fable of Truth and Falsehood personified on a bathing trip . <br /><br />Falsehood emerges from the water first and promptly steals Truth’s clothes . <br /><br />True to her nature Truth prefers to go naked than be seen in anything belonging to falsehood . <br /><br />Warts and all, is said to have been inspired by Oliver Cromwell who insisted his portrait painter imitate real life rather than gloss over any facial imperfections. <br /><br />Currently the most popular word being bandied about is Algorithm which has been developed from algorism . Defined as An algebraic formula used to obscure the truth. <br /><br />According to the government we are being directed by algorithms to control the virus , what does that tell you about the politics of government? <br /><br />Then we get the Gospel Truth? What does that mean ? <br /><br />The first three gospels of Matt, Mark, and Luke, were written for an audience made up of people who understood a number of basic folk tales like the one I have just told, that had been transmitted by oral means over many generations . <br /><br />The message of the folk stories were fairly common across major swathes of the known Roman world. <br /><br />The intention was to amalgamate the many variations into a single narrative that everybody could accept and use as their religious base. <br /><br />This is the basis of Christianity. <br /><br />Nowadays instead of the gospels bringing together information that we already hold, <br /><br />the Gospels have become the prime source of information about Jesus the Christ. <br /><br />But are they Truth? <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />In the English version of the Bible , The preface to St. John’s Gospels starts “In the beginning was the word., however the Greek passage from which it was translated so many years ago said “En Arche En ho Logos “ which means much more than “In the beginning was the word.” <br /><br />A better translation for Logos would be Reason and Arche means more than beginning it also means ‘the first or most important. <br /><br />Talking about God is called Theology. <br /><br />Theology is not a definition but an icon or symbol”. <br /><br />I am sure that we all have our own vision, our own icon or personal idea of God <br /><br />What do you think? How do you see God? <br /><br />Does God exist in a separate entity or is God a part of the whole, or is God the whole? <br /><br />What picture do you draw in your head? <br /><br />Do you see A benevolent old man sitting on a cloud? <br /><br />As I was growing up my Congregational Sunday school had a number of pictures of God. There was the old man on the cloud , <br /><br />there was a picture of a man sitting surrounded by children of all colours. There was one of a shepherd carrying a lost sheep on his shoulders. <br /><br />We were told that this ‘good’ shepherd was Jesus, <br /><br />note that he has been promoted from a simple shepherd to a ‘good’ shepherd and then promoted upwards again into the son of God. <br /><br /> Jesus was referred to as the Christ, Christ was the Greek word or name for a Hebrew Messiah a promised leader who would solve all the world’s problems and lead us into the Utopian dream <br /><br />My Anglican school had a picture of Jesus as the Light of the world. <br /><br />Jesus the Christ then got another promotion from being simply God’s son to being described as ‘God’s only son.’ <br /><br />He then got promoted again in the Trinity so that he was put on a par with his Father. <br /><br />As we progressed through our religious education we were taught that the people sharing in Holy Communion around the table were the ‘Body of Christ” <br /><br />There were lots of pictures of what people thought about God and Jesus . <br /><br />But Reason is the most important thing. <br /><br />So what is the Reasoned Truth about God? <br /><br />I was brought up going to a Church of England School during the week and a Congregational Sunday School on Sunday which led me to question the contradictions I found. <br /><br />Even though that was not my teacher’s intentions I leant to Reason for myself. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />When I discovered that the Greek preface to John’s gospel really meant something like Reason is pre-eminent. this put a whole new light on the rest of the passage. <br /><br />John seems to be questioning what I had been taught as the truth. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />The next passage from John’s gospel[translated as “There was a man sent from God whose name was John He came as a witness to the light.] could also be translated as” John identified the man who brought enlightenment into the world.” <br /><br />He was not the enlightenment but merely a witness . As you can see that questions the divinity of Jesus and the theology of the mainline churches. <br /><br />When you shine a light onto a piece of broken glass, the light is divided up into the colours of the rainbow . Enlightenment of intelligence is similar, there can be any number of understandings that emerge from a single Damascus road experience. <br /><br />A simple idea generates a variety of responses. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>What is the truth? </h2><br />As Unitarians we do not accept Jesus as a divine part of the godhead so how do we Unitarians define or envisage God ? We all have our own ideas. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Purple Book No. 29 Deep in the shadows of the past </h2><br />Human beings are naturally ambitious . They really want to be God themselves. <br /><br />And the Christian Church had enabled that to happen. <br /><br />In order to understand other people we really need to understand ourselves first. <br /><br />In John 14 v 6 Jesus is reputed to have said “I am the way the truth and the light. This also could be translated as I am ‘is’ the way etc.- <br /><br />In other words Being oneself is desirable, we should not try to be something that we are not <br /><br />We should stop pretending. <br /><br />Many people go through life putting on an act . <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>“To Thine own self be true.” </h2><br />If you want to know God you first of all have to know yourself. <br /><br />The way to do that is to reason with yourself <br /><br />Ask yourself the hard questions. <br /><br />Am I being truthful? Am I being honest? Or am I doing what somebody else thinks I should be doing ? Or what society thinks I should be doing? <br /><br />Am I putting on an act to impress? <br /><br />Am I hiding behind an image ? <br /><br />Am I too scared of what others may say about me? <br /><br />Am I pretending so that people will like me? <br /><br />Am I being aggressive or assertive to hide my inadequacies? <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Meditation </h2><br />I am is the way <br /><br />I am is the truth <br /><br />I am is the life. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Hymn 70 I wish I knew how </h2><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Candle lighting </h2><br />Let us bring our concerns and blessings into the light. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><h2>Hymn 165 The spirit lives to set us free </h2><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Know the truth and the truth will set you free. <br /><br />Freedom is coming. <br /><br />It is close enough to touch <br /><br />As evening falls the sun sinks behind the hill and for a moment a glorious sunset illumines our world. [extinguish the chalice] <br /><br />AS the candle light fades so the light of reason sparks into life allowing our thoughts of a bright tomorrow come into being. <br /><br />I AM IS <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-50934438963448286922013-09-12T12:09:00.000-07:002018-06-08T09:02:39.328-07:00Newsletter June and July 2018<h3 style="text-align: center;">
From the desk</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Karl Stewart</i></div>
Dear all,<br />
<br />
Firstly thank you. Many thanks to all who made the Redland Fair stall this year a great success. It’s an undertaking in all the time we give and what we donate in the making of the cakes and preserves and items to sell. It was a profitable day, not only financially: we were able to raise £307.00. but we were able to share with those who asked who we were as a faith organisation. It was good we could have light conversations with those who asked what we are about. Hopefully for those who found our information useful, they may give it some thought and arrive to experience the variety of themes and thought at our gatherings, and I’d hope that people will gradually join us as they feel they are able.<br />
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We had the UMB AGM, at which we all pledged our serving to the group again this year. I very much look forward to serving as Chair once again, as we discover the future together. With this I personally thank you all as you continue to serve, whilst we journey together; in all we venture.<br />
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I do hope we can all keep the vision, by being what we are and continue to be. There has been considerable interest in the retreat we will have in September. There are still places available. If you are interested in the what we have to offer, please do see me either after a service, or meeting or drop me a line in an email. I look forward to talking with you.<br />
<br />
In other news with Susan and Peter - on the whole Susan is doing well, and she has been very pleased at the amount of well wishes received, phone calls and visits. Mark and I saw both her and Peter at home - there were many cards and gifts which have been greatly received.<br />
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The Rainbow Path which is held at Frenchay is continuing and those attending are enjoying it very much. Speaking for myself and John, we as leaders have found it and continue find it enjoyable and enriching to lead. And thank you to those of you who have led with us. All is very much valued in this, as we find our paths and answers together. We continue looking forward to the route as it develops. Please do drop in if you’d like to see what these sessions are. And thank you to Mark and Paul for leading our newly formed session of the chanting and meditation group on a 4th Sunday.<br />
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As we continue to look, feel and discern, in all feel and believe, may we look widely, walk lightly and be at one with every step.<br />
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Yours in faith with love and care.<br />
<br />
Karl Stewart. Chair UMB.<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
From our Minister</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rev. John Harley</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am pure light, not just a fistful of clay. The shell is not me, I came as the royal pearl within. Look at me not with outward eye but with inward vision of the heart; Follow me there and see how unencumbered we become. <i>Rumi</i></blockquote>
I wasn’t going to watch the Royal Wedding last Saturday. I had lined up some other things to occupy my time. Then Lizzie said she wanted to just have a peek at ‘that dress’ so we ended up watching the whole ceremony together on TV. I confess some of my republican views were activated. I listened to my mind thinking things like ‘isn’t it grotesque that the wedding dress apparently cost in excess of £350,000’, ‘what a load of pomp and circumstance’, ‘what a crazy society we are to tidy away the homeless people from the streets of Windsor so that we can create the fairy-tale backdrop to this fantasy’…….and as I watched such thoughts flowed forth. <br />
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Then then the human sparkle of the occasion started to shine; Rev Michael Curry delivered that passionate address on love and fire, Harry and Meghan glanced at each other nervously and childishly as any couple would on such a special occasion, Meghan’s Mum’s face expressed a singing garden of emotions and the gospel choir almost blasted the ornate roof off the chapel. Something else that struck me was the roar and applause of the crowds outside reacting to the ceremony – far louder than the noise created by tennis fans of yesteryear on Henman Hill! Those crowds outside could freely express the delight and release that maybe the selected congregation could not or would not. <br />
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I wondered if one unconscious motive and fascination in the Royal Wedding for many of us is to be reconnected with the sense of the royal in ourselves. Rumi talks about the ‘royal pearl’ within every human being. He suggests that if we can reside in that place in ourselves and see this splendour in each other we can become ‘unencumbered’. At the heart of all the great religions we are encouraged to find the good and the treasure in our own lives and in the hearts of our brothers and sisters and also strangers. This invitation doesn’t rely on pomp and circumstance at all; it is a daily practice in the backstreets and ordinary homes of our lives. This brings to mind R.S Thomas’ poem Rich which starts with the delicious lines: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I am a millionaire.<br />
<br />
My bedroom is full of gold<br />
<br />
light, of the sun's jewellery.<br />
<br />
What shall I do with this wealth?<br />
<br />
Buy happiness, buy gladness,<br />
<br />
the wisdom that grows with the giving<br />
<br />
of thanks? </blockquote>
<br />
So although the Royal Wedding is over I leave you with the challenge of identifying all that is royal in your life and to look for the treasure in the people dear to you. <br />
<br />
John Harley<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
WOMEN’S LEAGUE</h3>
The national Women’s League AGM, held on 5th April 2018 during the GA at Daventry, was attended by over 50 peope and a dog. A cheque for £9,400 was presented to Eddie Kirk from Prostate Cancer UK. last year’s Women’s League Project. Anne Gemmell was installed as National President for 2018/19. A talk on the UK Sepsis Trust, the Women’s League Project for 2018/19 was given by John McCarthy. On Friday 13th April Susan met with Anne Butler to discuss Bristol Women’s League matters. Later that day Susan fell and fractured her leg and Anne and Frank Butler’s windscreen was hit and cracked on their return journey to Crewkerne! Subscriptions of £5 a family are now being collected by Susan to give to Angela Godwin. Many thanks to WL members who helped out at the Redland Fair. Some of us hope to help to serve teas and coffees at UMB during the St Paul’s Carnival on Saturday 7th July. The drumming workshop, led by Matthew Richards, will take place at UMB on Saturday 21st July. <br />
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With best wishes to all those with health problems and my thanks to you for the get well cards.<br />
<br />
SUSAN WILDMAN<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
GA REPORT</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Peter Wildman</i></div>
<br />
There was a smaller attendance this year, but a good number of younger people attending and a good number of first timers meant that the atmosphere of the meeting was very congenial. After the parade of banners, the opening ceremony was give by members of the British Unitarian Young Adult Network (BUYAN). The venue, Staverton Park near Daventry, was comfortable, The exhibition area was small, which made it difficult to view the stands at leisure. <br />
<br />
<br />
As the UMB delegate I attended all the plenary sessions. There were two outcomes in particular from these which will affect the future of the GA and of affiliated societies. Firstly the Executive committee motion (Motion #1) to shorten the annual meeting to a 3day/2 night format was adopted despite strong objections from some long term attenders. As a result in future all slots will be of one hour. The Executive Committee proposed therefore that in future only four motions and, if appropriate, one emergency motion, should be debated. More importantly, these motions should be chosen by the Steering Committee of the Assembly. There were very strong objections to this and eventually this suggestion was voted down. The motions will now be selected by the Assembly. <br />
<br />
The motion (#4) allowing congregations with 8 rather than 12 members to have full voting rights was passed. Honorary membership of the General Assembly was granted to Rev Dr Ann Peart and to Alan Ruston in recognition of their many year’s work for the movement in many fields.<br />
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As well as delivering the Keynote address, Rev Dr Paul Rasor, also spoke to the IARF. In the former he stressed that our commitment to social justice and tolerance has been under pressure now for a number of years from factors such as extreme right wing politics fuelled by wealth and income inequality, immigration and refugee movements, climate change and ‘Fake News’. To fight back we must hold on to hope that we can use reason to persuade and must hold on to the idea which has sustained liberal religion over the centuries - the hope, faith even, that something better is possible. Speaking to the IARF he pointed out that many nations restrict or control religion in varying and sometimes contradictory ways.<br />
<div>
<br />
At the Penal and Social Affairs session, John Lloyd, an impressive former journalist with the BBC and Financial Times spoke of the rise of ‘Fake News’ in many countries. Like religion, journalism is a prime target for authoritarian regimes. His advice to us could be summed up as “Don’t be cynical but do be sceptical”. As well as his two former employers he cited The New York Times as one of the few sources of accurate reporting.<br />
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Among the other sessions I attended was that of the Inquirer, where we were told of the need for more congregations and individuals to subscribe, so as to increase our awareness of the national movement’s work as well as for financial reasons. We were also served excellent wine! At the National Women’s League AGM the representative of the Prostate Cancer UK received a cheque for £9,400. The Sepsis Trust will be next year’s Project, and as introduction, there was a moving talk by John McCarthy, a survivor of Sepsis. I also attended the Psychical Society meeting whose presentation included the words “Beyond Belief and Reason” - which says it all! Judging from comments in the following day’s GA Zette I was not alone in thinking this!.<br />
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Rev Danny Crosby gave a moving address at the Anniversary Service on our need dream, but to make these dreams a source of creating heaven here and now. He spoke of his love of the sea which to him emphasises the spiritual nature of all life.<br />
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I am very grateful to the UMB congregation for making me their representative at a very happy and constructive GA. We look forward to the next twelve months GA Presidency of Joan Cook from the Edinburgh congregation.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Events</h3>
<b>Sunday 3rd</b> <b>June</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10.30am Gathering at Frenchay with Rev. Deana Stone-Pearce, followed by Congregational Committee meeting.</li>
<li>6pm Gathering at UMB with Karl and Mark Stewart.</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Wed 6th June: </b>7pm Kundalini Movement Meditation at Frenchay with Andrea Clark-Ward.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday 10th</b> <b>June: </b>10.30am Gathering at Frenchay with John Wilkinson, 6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.<br />
<br /><b>Thursday 14th June: </b>7pm Worship Inspiration Forum at Frenchay Quaker Meeting House, Beckspool Road, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1NT (opposite Village Hall). For all those interested in leading worship or wanting to widen and deepen their skills. Theme for this session: preaching. All welcome. Please note: different venue than usual.<br />
<b>Sunday 17th</b> <b>June</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Gathering 10.30am at Frenchay and 6pm at UMB with Rev. Lindy Latham.</li>
<li>3-5pm Bright Lights at UMB with Rev. Lindy Latham.</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Monday 18th</b> <b>June: </b>6pm Group Meditation - person centred at Frenchay.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday 20th</b> <b>June </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2pm Craft Club with Diane at Frenchay.</li>
<li>7pm The Rainbow Path at Frenchay - ‘Finding the altars and shrines of our lives’</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Thursday 21st June:</b> 10am Scrabble Club with Diane at Frenchay<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday 24th</b> <b>June</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10.30 am Gathering at Frenchay with Mark and Karl Stewart on 'Gender and Spirituality'.</li>
<li>6pm Chanting and Meditation at UMB. </li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b> Monday 25th June: </b>2pm Book Club at Frenchay with Christine.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday 1st</b> <b>July</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Gathering 10.30am at Frenchay and 6pm at UMB</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Wed 4th July: </b>7pm Kundalini Movement Meditation at Frenchay with Andrea Clark-Ward.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sunday 8th</b> <b>July</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10.30am Gathering at Frenchay with John Wilkinson</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Saturday 14th July: </b>Frenchay Flower Show – tea and cakes - daytime.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday 15th July</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Gathering 10.30am at Frenchay and 6pm at UMB with Rev. John Harley.</li>
<li>3-5pm Bright Lights at UMB with Rev. John Harley and Rev. Lindy Latham.</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay.</li>
</ul>
<b>Monday 16th July:</b> <b> </b>6pm Group Meditation - person centred at Frenchay.<br />
<br />
<b>Wednesday 18th July</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2pm Craft Club with Diane at Frenchay.</li>
<li>7pm The Rainbow Path at Frenchay</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Thursday 19th July:</b> 10am Scrabble Club with Diane <br />
<br />
<b>Sunday 22nd July</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10.30am Gathering at Frenchay with Wade Miller-Knight.</li>
<li>6pm Chanting and Meditation at UMB. </li>
<li>6pm AA meeting.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Sunday 29th July</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>10.30am Gathering at Frenchay with Bernice Lashbrook</li>
<li>6pm Gathering at UMB</li>
<li>6pm AA meeting at Frenchay</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Monday 30th July: </b>2pm Book Club at Frenchay with Christine</div>
markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-39479341814201012672013-09-12T11:53:00.000-07:002020-08-23T11:53:18.958-07:00Transforming Death into Lessons for Being<p>Classical Music before service starts –Nella Fantasia </p><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Transforming Death into Lessons for Being. </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Sunday 23rd August 2020, 10:30am at Frenchay Chapel and on Zoom </h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">with Angela Bufton and Peter Bruce </h3><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>ANGELA </b><br /><br />Welcome to all both in chapel and online. In these new Covid rules I am sorry we have to wear masks if possible and we shall collect feedback afterwards. Also the damp weather reduces the signal bandwidth for our online services so can those in chapel please switch off mobile phones to help. <br /><br />First an opening piece (after lighting candle): <div><br /><br /><b>Opening Prayer </b></div><div><b><br /></b><br /><b>Small Moments by Andrew Usher </b></div><div><b><br /></b><br /> We have gathered in this Oasis of Peace from many <br /><br /> places, with many thoughts. We pause together now, to allow <br /><br /> ourselves to settle into this place at this time, letting the <br /><br /> cares of the outside world relax their grip. As we take the time <br /><br /> to reflect on our presence here, let us give thanks for all the <br /><br /> small moments which make our lives so special. May we recognise <br /><br /> in those small moments that divine grace which is present at all <br /><br /> times if only we would be aware of it. <br /><br /> We acknowledge with regret the moments when we have been less <br /><br /> than we would wish to be: the moments when we have forgotten the <br /><br /> divinity within ourselves and within others: the moments when <br /><br /> life is hard on us, when we cannot face the world, when our <br /><br /> sorrows seem too much to bear. <br /> <br /><br /> May we have the strength and the courage to affirm that there is <br /><br /> divinity in these moments too. May our hearts be turned, that we <br /><br /> might see divine grace working wherever we look, and may that <br /><br /> recognition lighten our burdens. And where we still cannot see <br /><br /> that grace, may we be filled with the spirit to bring love, <br /><br /> grace, compassion and hope ourselves to those places where it is needed. <br /><br /><br /> May we find peace and renewal in this place, and may we take that <br /><br /> peace with us, that it may fill the world. <br /><br /> Amen. <br /><br /><br /><b>Quote <br /></b><br />Seneca once said – The main thing is not how long but how well you have lived. <br /><br /><br /><b>Introduction </b><br /><br />In this service we shall explore a little of the nature of death and reflect on how it affects our life. It is still such a taboo subject that it doesn’t even appear in the top 10 lists of taboo subjects on internet searches. Death of our body is the only certainty. It is an ever present essence in our lives but is mostly hidden in the shadows until it sort of catches up on us. It has sadly touched many we love in this congregation recently and so if anything comes up for you then do talk to one of our ministers or a friend to share the experience. We shall now listen to a song by Eric Clapton with questions from heaven. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b> Song - Eric Clapton ‘Tears in Heaven’ </b><br /><br /><br /><b> Cultural Beliefs <br /></b><br /> Every culture has its own set of beliefs that describe how the world works and people’s roles in the world. Each culture has its own beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life and what happens after death. This informs how people in those cultures approach death. For example, people may find death more bearable if they believe in a life after death. In some cultures, people believe that the spirit of someone who has died directly influences the living family members. The family members are comforted by the belief that their loved one is watching over them. In general, beliefs about the meaning of death help people make sense of it and cope with its mystery. <br /><br />In Japan death is seen as liberation and acceptance is more important than expressing oneself. People bring condolence money to wakes in white envelopes tied with black and white ribbon <br /><br />In Ghana people believe in an afterlife, with a relatively new tradition of elaborate coffins, which will illustrate the interests, profession or status of the departed but also see them off into the next life in style. A coffin may take the form of an aeroplane, or a Porsche, or a Coca Cola bottle. <br /><br />White is the colour of mourning in China and the official mourning period for a Buddhist may go on for 100 days. <br /><br />Funerals of the Torajan people in Indonesia are very elaborate and expensive. The ceremony is often held weeks, months, or years after the death so that the deceased's family can raise the significant funds needed to cover funeral expenses. Torajans traditionally believe that death is not a sudden, abrupt event, but a gradual process toward Puya (the land of souls, or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afterlife">afterlife</a>). During the waiting period, the body of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death">deceased</a> is wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept under the ancestral 2house. The soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it begins its journey to Puya.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torajan_people#cite_note-29">[29]</a> <br /><br /><b>Song - Green Day ‘Wake me up when September ends’ </b><br /><br /><br /><b>PETER <br /><br />Moving now to the views of death Quotes </b><br /><br />The Dalai Lama when asked what surprised him most about humanity said “Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health, And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived. “ <br /><br />We can be so in fear of death that we ignore it and ‘disable’ ourselves from living well, the two are paradoxically linked <br /><br />Here are a few of other people’s opinions <br /><br />Terry Pratchett’s Humanism gave him a practical angle saying “No-one is actually ‘dead’ until the ripples they cause in the world die away.” <br /><br />Arthur Schopenhauer was something of a pessimist who challenged the value of existence and said “After your death, you will be what you were before your birth.“ His Nihilism was reflected upon by Nietzsche later. <br /><br />A pragmatic positive stance on life and death came from utilitarians such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill who believe that our purpose is to make life better by increasing the amount of good things (such as pleasure and happiness) in the world and decreasing the amount of bad things (such as pain and unhappiness). <br /><br /><br /><b> ANGELA <br /></b><br /><b>Poem by Mary Oliver </b><br /><br />When death comes<br /> like the hungry bear in autumn;<br /> when death comes and takes all the bright coins from his purse<br /> <br /> to buy me, and snaps the purse shut;<br /> when death comes<br /> like the measle-pox;<br /> <br /> when death comes<br /> like an iceberg between the shoulder blades,<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />I want to step through the door full of curiosity, wondering:<br /> what is it going to be like, that cottage of darkness?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />And therefore I look upon everything<br /> as a brotherhood and a sisterhood,<br /> and I look upon time as no more than an idea,<br /> and I consider eternity as another possibility,<br /> <br /> and I think of each life as a flower, as common<br /> as a field daisy, and as singular,<br /> <br /> and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,<br /> tending, as all music does, toward silence, <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />and each body a lion of courage, and something<br /> precious to the earth.<br /> <br /> When it's over, I want to say: all my life<br /> I was a bride married to amazement.<br /> I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.<br /> <br /> When it's over, I don't want to wonder<br /> if I have made my life something particular, and real. <br /><br /><br /> I don't want to find myself sighing and frightened,<br /> or full of argument.<br /> <br /> I don't want to end up simply having visited this world. <div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><b>PETER </b><br /><br />It is interesting to look at how we might reflect back at life from our Deathbed. The regrets & lessons from others is poignant for us and this selection was adapted from George Mortimer on tinybuddha.com <br /><br /><br />We should look after our body better as when we’re young you feel you will live forever, but suffer consequences later! So that’s less smoking and drinking and more healthy eating and exercise in! <br /><br /><br />When we hold onto fear, anger, shame or guilt it can slowly make us ill. It is better to be open, loving, engaging and encouraging and then your actions will help you and others be fruitful. <br /><br />It is important to step out of your comfort zone often to do new things as we regret NOT doing these rather more than pride ourselves on waiting for exactly the right opportunity that feels safe. <br /><br />As death approaches we Forgive our family members more easily so why not do it earlier despite the hurts. It seems we regret it later if we don’t. <br /> <br /><br />We seem to spend too much time acquiring Money and stuff in life. We never have enough and you cannot take it with you. Putting more effort into relationships and investing love in others seems to be more valued at death. <br /> <br /><br />Despite the above Have no regrets at the end. Don’t take the joy out of life. You did your best and played the card you were dealt. <br /><br /><br />The conclusions from the deathbed seem to be: <br /><br />It doesn’t matter if you swim with sharks, travel to every country, and take the first ride of space tourism; what matters is HOW you live your life, how well you take CARE of yourself, and OTHERS, how deeply you feel connections with nature and find your true self rather than living other people’s stories . We never get things fully right or wrong, but the truth is the choice and responsibility is ours. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>ANGELA <br /><br />Poem <br /><br />Let Me Go by Christina Rossetti </b><br /><br />When I come to the end of the road<br /> And the sun has set for me<br /> I want no rites in a gloom filled room<br /> Why cry for a soul set free? <br /><br />Miss me a little, but not for long<br /> And not with your head bowed low<br /> Remember the love that once we shared<br /> Miss me, but let me go. <br /><br />For this is a journey we all must take<br /> And each must go alone.<br /> It's all part of the master plan<br /> A step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick at heart<br /> Go to the friends we know. <br /><br /><br />We shall now have music for time of reflection <br /><br /><b>Ludovic Einaudi - ‘Giorni’ </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Candles of Joy and Concern <br /></b><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>PETER <br /><br />Reading </b><br /><br />In line with Greek philosophers, Michael A. Singer in his book The Untethered Soul: the Journey Beyond Yourself, argues for people to make something of life in finding happiness: he says: <br /><br /><br />“If you want to be happy, you have to let go of the part of you that wants to create melodrama. This is the part that thinks there’s a reason not to be happy. You have to transcend the personal, and as you do, you will naturally awaken to the higher aspects of your being. In the end, enjoying life’s experiences is the only rational thing to do. You’re sitting on a planet spinning around in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Go ahead, take a look at reality. You’re floating in empty space in a universe that goes on forever. If you have to be here, at least be happy and enjoy the experience. You’re going to die anyway. Things <br /><br />are going to happen anyway. Why shouldn’t you be happy? You gain nothing by being bothered by life’s events. It doesn’t change the world; you just suffer. There’s always going to be something that can bother you, if you let it.” <br /><br /><br />In contrast Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. <br /><br />Mother Teresa would Surprisingly agree with Einstein who said: ‘Only a life lived in service to others is worth living’. <br /><br />God given purpose inspires other people or a view that healing pain is what brings merit in life. <br /><br />Everyone dies, But not everyone really lives is a common phrase. <br /><br />The advice just quoted is very varied, but all the above do link death to greater meaning in life. We are certainly in for increasing change in coming years and our choices do matter. Death is the great leveller and reminds us we are ALL equal, so it counts what EVERY one of us does with our life. <br /><br /><br /><b>ANGELA <br /></b><br />We shall now have a story that shows how our heart can also have a strong voice on life and death –adapted from "The Star Thrower" by Loren C. Eiseley. <br /><br />A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she <br /><br />would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement. <br /><br />She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” <br /><br />The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, <br /> “Well, I made a difference for that one!” <br /><br />The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Song – The Byrds ‘To Everything there is a Season’ <br /></b><br /><br /><b>Closing Prayer </b><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Lastly a closing Benediction used at Golders Green Unitarians (by Andrew Usher) <br /></b><br /><br /><br />We give thanks for life: <br /><br />For fellowship and love; <br /><br />For the songs of birds <br /><br />and the beauty of flowers; <br /><br />For the memories of people and places <br /><br />long since gone; <br /><br />For hope, bursting new each morning with the sun, <br /><br />and peace coming with the close of day <br /><br />and the end of a journey. <br /><br />For all that gives meaning to existence <br /><br />we give thanks <br /><br />In freedom, hope, fellowship and love. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Notices </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Collection donation via direct payment please </div><div><br />Bring and Share Service on Zoom, 10:30am, Sunday 30th August <br /><br />Next Wednesday online check-in: 26th August. <br /><br />Bristol Unitarians Retreat postponed until next year <br /><br />Hucklow Summer School: ‘Speaking the Truth in Love’: Having the Courage of our Convictions in a Post-Truth Age <br /><br />This is an on-line event and started yesterday evening at 7pm and it will run throughout next week and also be at 7pm worship led by Kate McKenna and Michael Allured) <br /><br /> And we now have a dedicated NEWS page on our website, which will be updated between Marks email bulletins, so please keep an eye on this page, and send any new updates to <a href="mailto:info@bristolunitarians.co.uk">info@bristolunitarians.co.uk</a></div></div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-55723044031610082932013-09-12T11:49:00.000-07:002020-08-09T11:52:27.674-07:00'Your own personal God' Service transcript 09/08/2020<b>Opening Words </b><br /><br /><i>Mark light chalice </i><br /><br /> Karl: Come and find this quiet centre <br /><br /> Allow yourself to arrive here <br /><br /> Welcome yourself here <br /><br /> And those with whom you are joined in spirit <br /><br /> Come and find this quiet centre <br /><br /> Allow yourself to connect to God without <br /><br /> And your God within <br /><br /> All are welcome here <br /><br /> As we praise this day <br /><br /> With joy, gladness and holding in hospitality the stories and sadness of others. <br /><br /> Welcome to this quiet centre. <br /><br /> Amen. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />Mark: <br /><br /> The title of this service is ‘Your own personal God’. <br /><br />We’ve been wrestling particularly with the question of the Macro and the Micro God recently. <br /><br /> How we reconcile praying for things that concern our personal lives, our own personal longings, desires, fears, suffering, with praying for a world, the concerns of which often seem so much bigger that anything that’s going on for us personally. <br /><br /> How can we pray to the Macro God – the God of the world, and to the Micro God, the God of our own hearts, and both these prayers be ok? <br /><br /> This is the subject we will be trying to address today. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>HYMN: P.22 Come Strong God – Mark play – Karl introduce </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Mark Reading – Your own personal God </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> How dare I ask for anything <br /><br /> When there’s so much going in the world? <br /><br /> How dare I presume? <br /><br /> Selfish little creep, <br /><br /> To come to God with my little worries, <br /><br /> When there are so many millions dying over here, <br /><br /> So many billions suffering over there, <br /><br /> How are my wants, my suffering <br /><br /> Of any consequence on God’s gargantuan to-do list? <br /><br /> Me, a snivelling, creeping thing. <br /><br /> Why should I even bother to ask? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> So I sit, <br /><br /> Slowly numbing, <br /><br /> A radioactive rock, <br /><br /> Emitting pulses of dull suffering light, <br /><br /> Diffuse and murky. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Until my own personal God steps in. <br /><br /> Yes, my own personal God! <br /><br /> Not the God who’s concerned with the suffering of all beings on this planet, <br /><br /> But a God that’s only mine. <br /><br /> Who I can whinge to<br /> And creep to <br /><br /> And complain <br /><br /> And lament <br /><br /> And want… and want… and want…. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And it’s ok, <br /><br /> Because you’ve got your own personal God too, <br /><br /> And you, and you and you, <br /><br /> We all do! <br /><br /> Every person, every creature <br /><br /> Can at any time call on <br /><br /> Their own personal God, <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And they are there, <br /><br /> To hold your inner child <br /><br /> And say ‘there there’, <br /><br /> When you’ve been ignoring it all day, <br /><br /> Cursing it and telling it to ‘grow up’ <br /><br /> Your own personal God can come along <br /><br /> And just hold you <br /><br /> Just be with you, <br /><br /> Rock you gently to sleep. <br /><br /> Watch over you through the night. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Or they can lift your thoughts <br /><br /> Out of the quagmire. <br /><br /> They can raise you up <br /><br /> Out of envy and bitterness <br /><br /> Fear and anxiety, <br /><br /> Need and longing, <br /><br /> To the higher plane of abundance, <br /><br /> Where there is enough for all, <br /><br /> And where our earthly measurements <br /><br /> Are but a harmless joke. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And what’s more <br /><br /> Your own personal God <br /><br /> Can communicate with the personal gods of others: <br /><br /> You want to get a message to your friend, <br /><br /> To the one you love, <br /><br /> You just send your personal God as an envoy, <br /><br /> They’ll make sure your love gets to them, <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Because you see there is network, <br /><br /> A divine network of our personal Gods <br /><br /> Of our avatars, our spirit animals, our guardian angels, <br /><br /> Call them what you will, <br /><br /> They are the shadow of our every breath, <br /><br /> Our selves at our full height, <br /><br /> They are the hand the reaches down <br /><br /> And pulls us up up up <br /><br /> To our rightful place, <br /><br /> The place of divine trust and communion, <br /><br /> Which is our inheritance…. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Reading: I am your God, Karl <br /></b><br /><br /> <br /><br /> I am your God <br /><br /> I am here in the small hours and thin places <br /><br /> I’m at the stone circle, the stile, the crossing gate <br /><br /> I’m your God with you, by you, in front of you and a few steps behind. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> I’m your God <br /><br /> Consoling your questions, fears, your next step on this path. <br /><br /> I’m the echo of your footsteps, <br /><br /> I’m the light at the break of day, <br /><br /> The dark at the fall of dusk, <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> I’m in the wind in autumn, <br /><br /> Blowing the old season’s leaves to dust the ground, <br /><br /> I’m the new birth of spring, <br /><br /> I’m your God, <br /><br /> I’m in the crisp of the winter, <br /><br /> The warm of the summer, <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> I’m your God, <br /><br /> I hear the fading when you’re so tired <br /><br /> And in your sentences you speak, <br /><br /> I’m your God, <br /><br /> I’m with you when you give compassion, sympathy, empathy, understanding, listening, <br /><br /> I’m in your sharing, knowing, sleeping, and seeing. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> I’m your God, <br /><br /> I’m the slight wind that blows across the sand <br /><br /> I’m the waves at sea, <br /><br /> I am the other place, <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Most of all, I’m your God <br /><br /> I’m the one that takes over when you’re tired and can help no more, <br /><br /> I’m your God, your God, <br /><br /> I’m your God. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Candles of Joy and Concern – Mark introduce, Karl light <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>HYMN P.184 ‘We are here in stillness’ - M Play </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Mark Address </b><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />I’d like to begin my address with a quote from the 1997 novel ‘The God of small things’ by Indian author Arundhati Roy. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> “He didn’t know that in some places, like the country that Rahel came from, various kinds of despair competed for primacy. And that personal despair could never be desperate enough. That something happened when personal turmoil dropped by at the wayside shrine of the vast, violent, circling, driving, ridiculous, insane, unfeasible, public turmoil of a nation. That Big God howled like a hot wind, and demanded obeisance. Then Small God (cozy and contained, private and limited) came away cauterized, laughing numbly at his own temerity. Inured by the confirmation of his own inconsequence, he became resilient and truly indifferent. Nothing mattered much. Nothing much mattered. And the less it mattered, the less it mattered. It was never important enough. Because Worse Things had happened. In the country that she came from, poised forever between the terror of war and the horror of peace, Worse Things kept happening. <br /><br /> <br /> So Small God laughed a hollow laugh, and skipped away cheerfully. Like a rich boy in shorts. He whistled, kicked stones. The source of his brittle elation was the relative smallness of his misfortune. He climbed into people’s eyes and became an exasperating expression.”<br /> <br /> <br /><br /> The start of my reading earlier began with the words ‘How dare I ask for anything when there’s so much going in the world?’ <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And I find that sentiment reflected here is this excerpt from ‘The God of small things’. <br /><br /> How can I presume to pray for the life of my inner world, when the outer world is so chaotic? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> What is my trauma, my suffering, my hopes and delights to the trauma and suffering of the great history and present of the world, to the dashed aspirations and longings of so many beings? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> How do we reconcile the micro to the macro, the ‘small God’ to the ‘big God’, the personal triumphs and losses to those of the collective? Surely the personal pales into insignificance, in the shadow the great story of all? <br /><br /> Is this an invention of modern or Western society, or do we all live in the isolated silos of our minds? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> What have we to say to personal ambition, personal betterment, personal responsibility? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> The excerpt from the novel says the ‘relative smallness of our misfortunes is a source of but brittle elation’. <br /><br /> In other words, the existence of the sufferings and delights of the macro is actually scant consolation to the affairs of the micro. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> We live our lives in constant tension and negotiation between the concerns of the Big God and the Small God. When we turn on the news, we are suddenly humbled in our grumblings and murmurings. We reprimand ourselves for having dared to grumble and murmur at all, when bombarded with the evidence that so many people in so many places have it so much worse than we do. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Guilt might set in, or a numbing, or compassion fatigue, or even closed-mindedness, apathy and indifference. Because the grumbling and the murmuring return. And the excitement and anticipation too. Sometimes it feels as if the entire existence of the world rests upon whether I get to see that person again. Often I’m much more ready to go to war over a perceived slight from a colleague at work, than over human rights atrocities in some other part of the world. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> If I could only get as exercised about fighting the iniquities in society as I get about righting the iniquities in my family. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> No, the Small God will have his share of prayers too. <br /><br /> Greedy as he is, being born of my own manifestation. <br /><br /> Sometimes he seems more a devil than a God. <br /><br /> Sometimes I ask myself, who’s helping who here, who’s training who? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Because we need the God of small things, the personal God, if we don’t want to allow our personal pain and hope to die within us, to get stuck, to congeal and fester. <br /><br /> We need to be able to turn to our personal God and say, ‘Big God’s got enough on her plate at the moment. I can’t go to her with this. I just need to you to listen to me whinge about my small problems for a little while’. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And if we’ve trained our small God well, he will tell us that it’s all ok, that all will be well, and that all will be well, and that all manner of things will be well. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Small God might say to us, ‘well no wonder you’re all tied up in a knots, all fraying rubber bands and tattered string; you’ve been ignoring your inner child all day! You’ve been trying to talk to yourself like a grown-up, but the inner child doesn’t understand grown-up language: ‘Throw as much grown-up language as you like at me, I’m just going to cry even louder’, your inner-child is saying. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And if at that point you can allow your small personal God to hold you, to soothe you, there might just be a release, maybe only temporarily, from the bondage of your tense and frozen murmuring. You might just be able to melt a moment into your small God’s arms, and allow a greater expansiveness within yourself. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> It feels selfish and wrong to ask the Big God for help. It doesn’t feel selfish to ask for help from the small God. They are your own personal God; you are their only concern. You might not be about to go to war in Afghanistan; you might be just about to have a slightly tricky conversation with your boss at work. But you can still ask your personal God for courage in that moment. And your personal God will freely acknowledge that for you, right now, you might be in need of a boost of courage as big as you’ve ever needed. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> And it’s in this way that we move from the micro to the macro. We move from the isolated, separated silos of our brains, into the interdependent web of all existence. Because we begin to learn that the Big God, the macro God, is only made up of the collective imagination of all our personal Gods put together. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> We begin to see that the small God is not limited to the confines our our individual minds, but that our personal Gods can actually talk to each other; my God to your God to your God. That through a divine network, we can actually get a message to the one we love before the world ends. And that a collective heave begins with the shared intention of every atom, of every fibre within the greater being. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> So if Big God is just made up of the sum of all our Small Gods. If we’re all just the same and we’re all a part of the whole, why do I continue to take life so personally? <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> We’ve heard this story I’m about to read in services read by both John and Lindy over the years. And each time I’ve heard it, I’ve struggled with it. But I feel it illustrates well the Big God, Small God, Not at All God question that we’re grappling with: <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>‘Let’s Wait and See’ told in ‘The Shortest Distance’, p.18. Bill Darlison – Karl read <br /></b><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Would you rather that things did or didn’t happen for a reason? <br /><br /> The dictum that everything does happen for a reason can seem at once so reassuring and yet so heartless. Does that include the natural disasters, the human atrocities, mortifying diseases? <br /><br /> I heard on the radio last week this piece of advice: <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> ‘Everything that happens to you happens for you’. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> ‘Everything that happens to you happens for you’. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> In other words, we cannot control the things that happen to us, but we can control how we use the things happen to us to grow and evolve as human beings, and investigate more deeply the intricacies of what it means to be alive on this planet. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> ‘Everything that happens to you happens for you’. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> So when we think about synchronicity, when we think about sacred coincidence, when we think about the personal God advocating, interceding in the divine order on our behalf, the personal God is not the one who is tweaking the order of unfolding events in the universe, but rather the personal God is the one who takes the events that happen, and finds a way to use them for you highest purpose. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> Your personal God is the one who joins the dots between the things that happen, the one who learns to turn suffering into empathy and compassion, and the one who turns ignorance into understanding, and fear into love. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> ‘Do not be afraid of, or discount sacred coincidences’ says your personal God. ‘They are the force by which the big God moves. When something joyous falls into your lap, praise it. When something is ripped asunder, lament it. It’s okay to do so’. The Gods of each of us are waiting for our signal, to rise up in communion and bring justice to this world. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> When we remember that the child in the Indian slum has the same hopes and desires, fears and prejudices as we do; that their small God is just as big as ours, then we begin to recognise our common humanity. When we remember that the day before the bomb fell, a mother in Hiroshima was shopping in the local market just as you might have being doing last week, balancing her budget, worrying about if her son would get married, about the health of her elderly mother. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> We are allowed to celebrate and lament the rises and falls of our lives. And there is still space to pray to the big God for all our small God power to rise up in kindness and help through our hands, our hearts, our voices. <br /><br /> Amen. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>HYMN P.148 ‘Spirit of Life’, K play </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>Prayers</b><br /><br />Karl: <br /><br />As we heard in the story earlier, it is often impossible to know if any thing that ever happens is really a blessing or a curse. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Mark: <br /><br />In these prayers of lament and thanksgiving, we hold in tension the not-knowing, and the paradox of both those things being true. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />We lament this Corona virus, that has brought suffering and loss to so many, in terms of life, liberty and livelihood. <br /><br />We give thanks for this Corona virus, which has give us a chance to take a step back, to pause and to allow our earth to breathe. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Karl: <br /><br />We lament the passing of time, which brings my joyous, peaceful moments to an end, <br /><br />We give thanks for the passing of time, which brings my suffering and discomfort to an end. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Mark: <br /><br />We lament death, which takes away my loved ones, looms constantly on the horizon of my life and lurks menacingly in the tread of my every step, <br /><br />We give thanks for death, which frees us from the prospect of eternal numbing sameness and endless shrivelling decay. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Karl: <br /><br />We lament fear, which stops me from pursuing adventure, taking chances and risks, from inhabiting the present moment <br /><br />We give thanks for fear, which teaches us to value life more, and helps us to treasure the fragile vulnerability in ourselves and others <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Mark: <br /><br />We lament the dark, which takes away my vision, shrouds and swallows up my certainty, <br /><br />We give thanks for the dark, which nurtures regrowth in germination and without which we could not see the stars <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Karl: <br /><br />We lament money, which breeds avarice and greed, in-fighting and war, materialism and waste <br /><br />We give thanks for money, which facilitates trade and invention, ingenuity and striving, and allows us to signify worth and value. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Mark: <br /><br />We lament love, which rips through our hearts and makes us feel wretched, discombobulated and desperate <br /><br />We give thanks for love, which is really just God, knocking at the door of our hearts, but sometimes with a mild to moderate concussion… <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Amen. <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Karl Address: </b><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />How are you with the word God? <br /><br />Is it a big image or something that is difficult to even imagine? <br /><br />Is there something in the spirit beyond us that is there, furnishing our innate need, want, venture and longing to seek? <br /><br />Is it part of what forms the spiritual route and compass we follow? <br /><br />Is it plausible? <br /><br />And let’s think for a few seconds that it might be: that there is in you or me, our own God. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />I’d like to know if there is, what that God is doing with me. <br /><br />Why is that God interested in me? <br /><br /> I, like you, am on a life long journey of discovery and discernment. <br /><br />There are things we have found and things we are going to continue finding: the many new things to seek have yet to show themselves. <br /><br />We can even revisit the things we found before - the same things are there, it is only the light that changes in how we see them. <br /><br />Somewhere in all of our minds, I’d like to suggest there is a small window that allows grace to shine through, and perhaps there are times we need to stand in another place, to stop and think a while. <br /><br />Let’s take a little thinking journey for the next few moments. <br /><br />You may be at this moment in your mind looking over the hillside, meadow, over the sea, or on a mountain. <br /><br />Wherever you are in this moment, you might look back at where you are with your God, look back to when you were a child; what was the image of your God then, beyond your thinking? <br /><br />This is where maybe your God has changed. <br /><br />Maybe this God of yours was there all the time. <br /><br />If you’re on the mountain now, is something called God blowing past you in the breeze, or moving the grass of the meadow, maybe stirring the dry sand on the shore’s edge looking out to sea. <br /><br />Could it be in the hillside in a wild flower, just waiting to be noticed? <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />There are many places to find God. <br /><br />Now then, I’ve already said the word ‘God’ in this address. <br /><br />God knows how many times in this life I’ll say it again or today. <br /><br />In the present moment, we witness together. <br /><br />What I haven’t done on purpose is used a pro-noun, nor shall I, as none of can prove the gender. <br /><br />What I feel, is there is a being beyond me; there is a light that allows me to see a little further, and a little way past the beyond. <br /><br />And having said that, you might want to think of this personal God as a spirit guide, magical being, cheering voice of assurance, or any number of many things it can be called. <br /><br />It cannot be something that allows one to say, ‘I’m going to have all the answers because I believe in this, I am invincible, I can achieve anything because I have God’. <br /><br />Rather, this is the small voice waiting to hear the right question, waiting to know if you know what you are looking for; at least I suggest that as a possible or plausible insight. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />I’d like to explore the moments when we are all only too capable of being unholy, the unholy moments are the those perhaps when we lose sight of all that is logical, reasonable, tangible. <br /><br />Even in the unholy moments are we truly as the image of the cast created or modelled by our God? <br /><br />My hope is that we are, because I would like to suggest that at these moments our holy being hasn’t left us, but they are there a few steps behind, ready to just pass us and catch us if we fall, or to still be ready as the still small voice that says ‘wait, I’m here holding you, I’m walking with you, I’m the one who knows all you say, think and do; the one who knows your coming and going; I am the one from whom no secret can be hidden. I hear your inner debates, the anger in your fires of despair. If I’m to still be your God within, or the one who all can believe in; allow me to furnish your ways with the reasons we journey and be not only the human image of your self, but the holy image of your self”. <br /><br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br />Here are some questions to ponder: <br /><br />Do you feel your own way to God? <br /><br />Where is he or she for you? <br /><br />What echoes in the church within yourself? <br /><br />What is the open door to you? <br /><br />Is the hospitality of a holy being welcoming you? <br /><br />Can you feel the hands that hold with you? <br /><br />We look into ourselves. At times we may do that if the answer we are looking for isn’t outside us. <br /><br />There are many ways in which the true spirit and sacred presence lives with us. As we look to rejoin each other when time allows, may we all be the true image of what some call God. <br /><br />May we conduct all our ways in the truest of faith, as we also hold those of many other faiths and beliefs in places far past our knowing. <br /><br />I hope we will have the strength and courage to build any number of holy bridges. Allow us the grace to welcome all who enter the chapel doors to the chalice flame we share with the many who are seeking. <br /><br />May we be the exception and example that says ‘come, come, whoever you are. Your sacred place and faith is welcome here with mine, and allow us to find the answers together’. <br /><br />May we share all that are our given riches with others. As we may give our little today, for someone else's plenty tomorrow. <br /><br />May it be so. Amen. <br /><br /> <br /> <br /><br /><b>HYMN: Bring Many Names, Purple 14 – Karl play, Mark sing <br /></b><br /><br /><b> Closing Blessing </b><br /><br /> Mark: May you be led into the shelter of your own personal God, <br /><br /> Karl: May they be a friend to you at your side <br /><br /> To lift you up to moments of greatness when you fear <br /><br /> And to hold and comfort you when you fall, <br /><br /> Mark: And may they give you the strength, courage and confidence <br /><br /> To venture out into this world and help to alleviate suffering and make it a better place where you can. <br /><br /> Karl: We are God’s hands, heart, voice and mind. <br /><br /> Mark: So may it be, <br /><br /> Both: Amen. <br /><br /><br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-6247928323675113132013-09-12T11:47:00.000-07:002017-11-30T11:48:03.953-08:00The Elton John Experience at UMB Fr.22.12.17, 8pm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt1ORUbh6zKmvQkz4TvebkYpIy1KFFmDxprq9E8F_0wmTkvrKLbXD5sqct4QqjtTiGyzkh9JzkYWpAvil-Oy8VnA2X_99wpSz1AmYsx8k493GnPHUyLrRdQRMY7FuV8X2R9r0xgbF6_3f/s1600/Poster+22.12.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1133" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt1ORUbh6zKmvQkz4TvebkYpIy1KFFmDxprq9E8F_0wmTkvrKLbXD5sqct4QqjtTiGyzkh9JzkYWpAvil-Oy8VnA2X_99wpSz1AmYsx8k493GnPHUyLrRdQRMY7FuV8X2R9r0xgbF6_3f/s640/Poster+22.12.17.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-32884273220097349402013-09-12T11:46:00.002-07:002021-04-30T11:55:52.467-07:00UK Unitarians Annual General Meetings report<h2 style="text-align: center;">AGM of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of UNITARIAN and FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES - SATURDAY 24th APRIL 2021 </h2><div>This AGM, usually referred to as ‘The GA’ is held around Easter each year taking place over 2 or 3 days at a conference centre. It did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic. With more time for planning, a virtual meeting was set up this year and was very successful. We ‘attended’ along with about 220 other Unitarians of whom 115 were voting delegates from congregations and societies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Electronic voting was installed and with one or two glitches worked well throughout the meeting. Peter was UMB voting representative. To see details of the motions discussed and voted on at various times during the meeting please go to the end of this report. </div><div><br /></div><div>In her opening remarks Liz Slade the Chief Officer noted that there were now fewer than 3,000 Unitarians in the UK, a drop of one third in the last ten years. Amongst other factors, this was a demonstration she said, of the increasing secularisation of British society and one reason for the new GA website. This has not been universally well received within the Unitarian community. It recognises the reduced level of religious literacy implied by secularisation. It aims to be more ‘accessible’ to enquirers not necessarily coming from Christian denominations. New skills were needed to honour diversity, ensure that we remain true to our radical roots and to communicate with new enquirers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Liz reported that the movement’s finances had survived the privations of the pandemic, helped by a loan of £400,000 fo the Essex Hall Trust. Minister’s stipends will rise by 1.5%. The Treasurer, Peter Hanley, is standing down after 6 year’s service and was thanked by Liz and more formally in one of the administrative options. </div><div><br /></div><div>The outgoing President, Rev Celia Cartwright, thanked Ministers and all who had maintained Unitarian life during the pandemic. She gave her reflections on her time as President, which extended into a second year because of the pandemic. She had greatly enjoyed her first, very busy ’normal’ year when she visited many congregations. In this, her second year she had worked with Rev. Sue Woolley and Anne Mills the incoming President, to form a working group on Zoom. Celia then relinquished her badge of office and will hand it in person to Anne Mills who will be GA President for 2021/22. Anne is a long time member of the Bury congregation. </div><div><br /></div><div>To close the AGM Anne led a beautiful Mini-Service from her living room. Sympathetic to the suffering caused by the pandemic, she gave hope and played some of ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart. Anne read some of the closing passages from ‘The Plague’ by Albert Camus, which reflect on how, as the plague passes its peak and diminishes the city celebrates and forgets the bereaved, those still suffering and those yet to suffer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: center;">MOTIONS FOR THE 2021 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING </h2><div><br /></div><div>Below are the 6 motions proposed by several congregates and societies for debate by AGM with the aim of defining our stance on various issues and requesting that action of some kind be taken. Early in the meeting we voted to select 4 of these 6 motions for debate. Motions 1 and 4 were not selected. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. FROM KENDAL UNITARIANS - NOT SELECTED FOR DEBATE </h3><div><br /></div><div>This General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian churches has deep concerns regarding the misuse of alcohol in society and the consequent diminution in the quality of life for all of those affected. We request the Executive Committee of the General Assembly to itemise this as a priority for our national movement and to take measures to advise congregations on viable ways by which they may offer support to affected individuals known to them, and/or co-operate with specialist organisations dedicated to helping reduce the problem of alcohol addiction in the UK. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. FROM CARDIFF UNITARIANS </h3><div><br /></div><div>That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, mindful of the climate crisis, and of its object to “promote... the service of humanity and respect for all creation” requests that the Executive Committee: </div><div><br /></div><div>a) not invest General Assembly funds in companies whose total turnover is more than 10% derived from the extraction and/or supply of fossil fuels, including thermal coal, natural gas and oil;</div><div>b) complete the divestment required to fulfil this decision by the time of the General Assembly Annual Meetings in 2025 at the latest; </div><div>c) strongly encourage and support all Unitarian congregations and funds to do the same. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>PASSED. - (91 to 3, 10 abstentions) </b></div><div><br /></div><div>It was recognised that this will take several years to implement.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. FROM STOCKTON UNITARIANS </h3><div><br /></div><div>This General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches </div><div><br /></div><div>• a) Reaffirms its strong support for an inspiring and innovative Unitarian Youth Programme for young Unitarians in the United Kingdom. </div><div>• b) Recognises that a thorough review of the Programme will be necessary ‘postpandemic’, in full consultation with churches, districts, previous participants and other interested parties. </div><div>• c) Commends the work the Youth Officer, Gavin Howell, is already carrying out to explore new ways of linking Young Unitarians together in the modern world. </div><div>• d) Urges the Executive Committee to ensure that a programme of Youth events at the Nightingale Centre is put in place as soon as permitted by Covid-19 regulations, with particular emphasis on provision for 7 to 11 year olds, which has been the much-valued bedrock of the Unitarian Youth programme for over 50 years. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>PASSED - (52 to 27, 31 abstentions) </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Although there was some unhappiness was expressed about d) which appeared to override the autonomy of the Youth Officer in programme planning. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. FROM THE FOY SOCIETY - NOT SELECTED FOR DEBATE </h3><div><br /></div><div>The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches: </div><div><br /></div><div>a) Affirms with joy that each person’s understanding and statement of their own gender identity is a matter of conscience; </div><div>b) Affirms that transgender rights are human rights; </div><div>c) Joins the British Medical Association, the Trades Union Congress and others in civil society in urging the adoption of a self-declaration model for gender recognition by the UK and devolved governments; and </div><div>d) Requests that the Chief Officer lobby for this model in response to UK or devolved government consultations and on any other suitable occasion. </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. FROM THE FINDHORN UNITARIAN NETWORK </h3><div><br /></div><div>That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches requests the Executive Committee (EC) to prepare and present a Code of Ethics for consideration by the 2022 Annual Meetings. This Code would be applicable to all who are recognised on the Roll of Ministers and Lay Pastors; to the GA Roll of Lay Leaders; and to those employed by the General Assembly. Once the code is adopted, the EC is further asked to consider recommending adoption of the Code by all Congregations, Affiliated Societies and Districts. To enable this outcome, the EC is asked to: </div><div><br /></div><div>a) appoint an ad hoc committee to prepare a Code of Ethics; </div><div>b) call for submissions from member congregations, affiliated societies, districts, Ministers, Lay Leaders and others employed or engaged in the Unitarian movement to support this work; and </div><div>c) ensure the Code contains appropriate mechanisms for addressing complaints, grievances and disciplinary matters. </div><div><br /></div><div>Further, as the adoption and implementation of a Code of Ethics with a disciplinary mechanism will need to be consistent with established employment practices, the EC is asked to obtain a legal review to this end before presenting the Code of Ethics for adoption by the General Assembly. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>PASSED - (73 to 25, 17 abstentions)</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There was discussion as to whether such a code is needed since we already have a Code of Conduct. It was pointed out that this has only limited application and that some form of code is required extending to all Ministers, officers, staff and members of congregations. Also uncertainty about use of the word Ethics in this context </div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. FROM THE LONDON DISTRICT & PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY (LDPA), THE PEACE FELLOWSHIP, AND TWELVE FULL MEMBERS </h3><div>That this General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches: welcomes the foundation of the interfaith Red Cross Memorial Peace Appeal in aid of the Global Coronavirus Emergency Appeal, the Yemen Crisis Appeal and other urgent humanitarian and medical appeals in the spirit of the Charter for Compassion and relevant GA resolutions; and, as one immediate and direct way to be a force for good in the world, urges Unitarian congregations, Districts and individuals to support this interfaith initiative and so work with the Religious Society of Friends and other faith communities in taking timely action to aid victims of this global Covid-19 pandemic and of wars, conflicts and natural disasters and to act decisively to help save human lives worldwide. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>PASSED - (92 to 11, 11 abstentions) </b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>PETER WILDMAN 28/04/2021 UMB REPRESENTATIVE</div>markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076131430688760658.post-1245126527011052782013-09-12T11:46:00.000-07:002020-05-09T11:49:51.624-07:00Being Together in Times of Loss, Beauty and Joy - service from Rev. Lindy Latham 10.5.2020<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Being
Together in Times of Loss, Beauty and Joy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Good morning to you all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As we join together –
perhaps not all at the exact same time – I invite you to have a
candle or special object to focus on during times of contemplation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">It is a great privilege to be
sharing my thoughts and those of others with you all during these
extraordinary times as we gather together feeling loss, seeing beauty
and hopefully experiencing joy in a new and different way.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>[If you have copies of the
Purple Hymn book [Sing Your Faith] and like to sing-along, you may
like to have it to hand.]</i></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chalice
Lighting </b></span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>[ by Rev. Cliff Read]</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We kindle the spark of God
within ourselves when we serve others,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
bring a glow of joy to other people's lives.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Opening Words</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">[
by Rev Cliff Read]</span></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We gather to share our faith </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">in the spirit of freedom,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">our doubts</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
the spirit of honesty.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We gather to focus our love in
prayer,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">to send it to those who suffer
and grieve-</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">in our own community</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and in the wider world.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We gather to strengthen </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">the goodness that is in us,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">that goodness may be</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">stronger on the earth.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We gather to worship.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Welcome to this time of
sharing.</b></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever time it is, and
wherever you are this is a time for us to come together with the
sense of community, to turn aside from distracting pre-occupations
and to make time for contemplation and prayer and a space for you to
bring to mind your own personal joys and concerns and the prayers in
your hearts.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I know that hymns are meant
for singing! However, sometimes reading them can bring a greater
meaning to the words when are not struggling with an unfamiliar
tune!</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So
with this in mind...I invite you now to sing or read the words of our
1</span></span></span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">st</span></span></span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
hymn taken from:</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SING
YOUR FAITH 181..Wake, now, my senses...</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake, now, my senses, and hear
the earth call;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">feel the deep power of being
in all;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">keep with the web of creation
your vow,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">giving, receiving as love
shows us how.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake, now, my reason, reach
out to the new;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">join with each pilgrim who
quests for the true;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">honour the beauty and wisdom
of time;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">suffer thy limit, and praise
the sublime.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake, now, compassion, give
heed to the cry;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">voices of suffering fill the
wide sky;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">take as your neighbour both
stranger and friend,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">praying and striving their
hardship to end.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake, now, my conscience,
with justice thy guide;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">join with all people whose
rights are denied;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">take not for granted a
privileged place;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">God's love embraces the whole
human race.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake, now, my vision of
ministry clear;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">brighten my pathway with
radiance here;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">mingle my calling with all who
would share;</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">work toward a planet
transformed by our care. </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A story...</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I imagine that many of you,
like me, are wondering what are the right things to be doing at the
moment...how can we be of best use to each other and the world.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Some of the time I feel
selfish here in my own home and garden surrounded by a lovely tree
filled green space and not being able to do much to help those in
desperate situations.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I found some comfort in this
story which although better with pictures [and maybe some puppets!],
I will attempt to share with you now.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The Three Questions</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>[based on a story by Leo
Tolstoy, adapted by Lindy]</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">There was once a boy named
Nikolai who sometimes felt uncertain about the right way to act.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
want to be a good person” he told his friends. “But I don't
always know the best way to do that”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">His friends wanted to help him
and so he asked them three questions:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When is the best time to do
things?</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Who is the most important
one?</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">What is the right thing to
do?</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">His friends were Sonya the
heron, Gogol the monkey and Pushkin the dog.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">They all did their best to
answer and be helpful and in answer to “what is the right thing to
do?” this is what they came up with:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Flying”
said Sonya the heron</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Having
fun all the time” answered Gogol the monkey.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Fighting”
barked Pushkin straight away.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">......but Nicolai, however
much he loved them, did not think their answers were quite right.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“ <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
know” he thought.. I will go and see Leo the turtle. He has lived
for a </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">very long time...he will know
the answers to my questions.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And so after a long hike up
the mountain where Leo lived, Nicolai found him digging in his
garden...he was old and digging was hard for him.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Nicolai then asked Leo his
three questions:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When is the best time to do
things?</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Who is the most important
one?</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">What is the right thing to
do?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Leo listened and sat down as
he was tired, and Nicolai carried on digging for him.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Just as he had finished, the
wind blew and it started to rain heavily and as they moved to the
cottage, Nikolai heard a cry for help. A little way down the path he
found a Panda whose leg had been injured by a fallen tree.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Nicolai took the Panda to
Leo's house – made a splint for her leg. He put her to bed and she
went to sleep, but on wakening she said:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Where
am I and where is my child?”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The storm was still raging,
but Nikolai went out to look for the young panda. He found her, cold
and shivering in the woods and took her to her mother who was so
happy to see her.….</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the morning the storm had
eased, the sun was shining and the Pandas were happy to go back home.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Nikolai felt as peace with
himself...he had wonderful friends and he had saved the panda and her
child...but he still had a sense of disappointment... he had still
not found the answer to his questions.... so he asked Leo once more..</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But
your questions have been answered!” he said.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Have
they?” said Nikolai</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yesterday,
if you had not stayed to dig my garden, you wouldn't have heard the
Panda's cry for help in the storm. Therefore the most important time
was the time you spent digging my garden. The most important one at
that moment was me, and the most important thing to do was to help me
with my garden.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Later when you found the
injured panda, the most important time was the time you spent mending
her leg and saving her child. The most important ones were the panda
and her baby and the most important thing to do was to take care of
them and make them safe.”</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Remember
then that there is only one important time, and that time is now.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The most important one is
always the one you are with. And the most important thing is to do
good for the one who is standing at your side.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">For these, my dear boy, are
the answers to what is most important in the world”</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is why we are here”.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Time now for personal
reflection on these words by Henri Nouwen:</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
cannot change the world by a new plan,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">project or idea,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
cannot even change other people by our convictions,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">stories, advice or proposals, </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">but we can offer a space</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">where
people are encouraged to disarm themselves,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">lay
aside their occupations and preoccupations</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">and listen with attention and
care to the voices</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">speaking in their own centre.”
</span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>I invite you now to take
the time you need </b></span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>to meditate on your own
joys and concerns....</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>to the story of the three
questions...</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>to the voices in your own
centre..</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Now let us “sing”
again!!</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>SING
YOUR FAITH: </b></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>211,
Where are the voices for the earth?</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>[verses 1, 2&4]</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Where are the voices for the
earth?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Where are her eyes to see the
pain,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">wasted by our consuming path.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Weeping the tears of poisoned
rain?</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sacred the soil that hugs the
seed,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">sacred the silent fall of
snow,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">sacred the world that God
decreed,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">water and sun and river flow.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We are the voices of the
earth,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">we who will care enough to
cry,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">cherish her beauty, clear her
breath,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">live that our planet may not
die.</span></div>
<div align="right" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shirley Murray b. 1931</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A Story from “The Moth
Snowstorm” by Michael McCarthy.</b></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">River estuaries play an
important part in Michael McCarthy's book – the story of his
heartbreak of the destruction of wildness, of wilderness in the name
of progress.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This story focuses on the
South Korean determination to build and modernise their country in
the name of economic growth, being blind to what they were doing to
the natural environment.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">There was protest after
protest about a project to build a sea wall – possibly the longest
in the world – at Saemangeum, a tidal flat on the coast of the
yellow sea in South Korea.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, Saemangeum, the tidal
estuary, home to a vast population of wildlife is gone because of the
sea wall.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">To feel the real impact of
this story you need to read it – but I would like to convey a
little of the pain suffered by so many as they watched this awful
event unfold. - being powerless to stop it.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Finally in 2003, two Korean
Buddhist monks and two Korean Christian ministers led a SAMBOILAE.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is a long spiritually and
physically demanding “physical meditation”.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">SAMBOILAE means”Three steps
and a bow”. Doing three steps and then dropping on their knees and
bowing to the ground.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This was done to express their
sympathy with the creatures that would die in the estuary's
destruction.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This meditation took them 65
days – done in all weathers- from Saemangeum to Soul.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When they arrived in Soul, the
two monks and two ministers were met by 8,000 people.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This story brought up many
feelings for me – gratitude, the need for forgiveness, regret, a
humbling and sense of powerlessness and much more.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">All of us, in varying degrees,
are complicit with so much of the destruction going on in our planet.
We cannot help it – we can only do our best.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">For me I have thought that
such a simple and deeply spiritual action could be used in other
situations – helping me to be more mindful of things I take for
granted ….on my daily walk pausing occasionally and bowing my head
for a few moments to increase awareness of what I can so easily
forget. </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You might like to try this now
for a few minutes, walking slowly round your chosen space with
occasional pauses to bow your head in contemplation....</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And now words of meditation
leading to a time of quietness</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>and personal reflection.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You
can't remake the world </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">without remaking yourself.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Each new era begins within.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is an inward event,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">With unsuspected possibilities</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">For inner liberation.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We could use it </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">to turn on our inward lights.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We could use it to use even
the dark</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
negative things positively</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We could use the new era to
clean our eyes,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">To see the world differently</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">To see ourselves more clearly.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Ben Okri from his book
“Mental Fight”:</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Thoughts and reflections..</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Writing
this on May 8</span></span></span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
VE day 75 years ago, I am mindful of the mixed emotions that day [and
today] of the great sense of loss as well as joy and relief.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">There have been many
comparisons made between World War 2 and what we are experiencing
now.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Although different in form,
many of the same emotions are being triggered.... fear and division
together with sadness and loss and anger.... and maybe hope for a
better future from lessons we have learnt.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">.... we can also perhaps see
that there could be a similar root cause for both of these worldwide
events.......the need for power and control...and the drive towards
material greed and benefits for a few, ignoring the needs of the many
including of course the natural world. </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And so, using some of the
thoughts of Joan Bakewell – writer and broadcaster – she says
that:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
war taught us many things: fellow feeling, shared values,
resourcefulness. ...we knew it would end and that the world would be
changed.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Above all, we appreciated the
power of the state to organise for the benefit of
everyone.......today we acknowledge the damage the recent years of
austerity have done to the lives of the poorest and in that sense to
us all. With both the war and the pandemic have come the resolve,
hardly formulated today but widely shared, that we can't go back to
the old days.”</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Words of hope.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">As well as the grief, despair
and loss that has and is being experienced, the one great gift that
they have given the world, I believe, is this sense of togetherness.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, even without wars
and pandemics, pain and suffering goes on all day, everyday
everywhere, and we can so often be caught up, as is only natural, in
our own personal concerns that we can forget that the way we live can
have a much larger impact on all our sisters and brothers world wide.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wars and pandemics force us to
focus – they make us sit up and be more aware – to open our
hearts and see beyond our own green and pleasant land, our own
circles of family and friends, our own local communities.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Of course it can also do the
opposite. It can create barriers of fear and greed, encouraging us to
hunker down and look after our own.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I feel a bit hunkered down
right now, but like many of you, not through choice.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I feel limited as to what I
can do to help those in far more desperate situations than mine..I am
aware of how fortunate I am...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is easy then to feel
guilty, and then to feel uneasy about feeling guilty because it is
not a very helpful emotion! Or is it? </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It could be used as a stimulus
to help us to focus and unlock the the gifts we have that can be used
to make a difference. </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So on Thursdays we go out into
the streets to show our appreciation to all the front line workers...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This Friday is VE day, a day
when we give thanks for the ending of the war in Europe 75 years
ago....in both cases not forgetting the enormous pain and loss
created in these situations.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So this is where we start,
being together in loss laced with gratitude and thanks. Loss can
bring into sharper focus other emotions and feelings and actions.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">My loss of freedom has given
me a greater sense of what is going on around me – friendship with
neighbours I hardly knew.......the opportunity to grow plants from
seeds knowing I would be able to take care of them...[ not always
going away!]</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Children not going to school
are finding new ways of getting on with their siblings and doing
remarkable things to help [some of the time anyway!]</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Our Unitarian Heart and Soul
Zoom gatherings are connecting us with a wider community – some
world wide – some of no faith. This “Doing Church” without the
usual building and format and expectations can offer a more open and
safe space for people to explore their own spiritual needs.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Loss brings with it new
experiences.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Crisis creates new
opportunities.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I have shared Michael
McCarthy's story about the Monks and Christian leaders expressing
their sorrow to the earth and creatures sacrificed in the name of
progress.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the same book Michael tells
stories about beauty and joy.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Here is one of them I am going
to simply call “Bluebells” [slightly adapted]</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">He starts...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">.”Let me tell you about a
wood. Five times in the one week I went to this wood.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Five separate trips, on five
successive days. </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And each time, after the first
time, I paused before entering. I savoured the moment. It felt like
the anticipation before meeting a new lover – the elevated heart
beat, the certainty of impending pleasure – but it was more than
that, it was the anticipation of a sort of ecstasy, at beholding what
the wood contained, hidden in its depths, which was something truly
exceptional, as exceptional as a crashed flying saucer, I found
myself thinking.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Each
time I stopped at the gate I said to myself, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
know what is in there........</span></i></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It was blue</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It was a blue that shocked
you.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It was a blue that made you
giddy.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It was a blue that flowed like
smoke over the woodland floor, so that the trees appeared to be
rising out of it, a blue that was not solid like a blue door might be
solid but constantly morphing in tone with the light and the shade,
now lilac, now cobalt, a blue which was gentle but formidably strong,
so intense as to be mesmerising: at some moments it was hard to
believe it was composed of flowers...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">But that was the beauty and
joy of the bluebells.....their floral richness...a dozen bluebell
heads nodding on every thousands of stems......an overwhelming
blueness at the bottom of the woods.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
…<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>..........................</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is, I believe, this beauty
which can bring us great joy even in times of loss of whatever kind,
human kind or in the natural world.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Faith in something greater
than ourselves...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Beauty
and joy come in many forms... through love and care for those we know
and don't know and by receiving the kindness of strangers.....</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, this crisis has created
opportunities to find joy in places we least expect or may have taken
for granted or just not noticed.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">For me: </span>
</div>
<ul>
<li>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Finding a meal in my porch as
a gift from my new neighbours: </span>
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Watching my runner bean seeds
germinating and the leaves unfurling.</span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Noticing the incredible
beauty of the pine tree flowers before they turn into cones.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I could go on, but now it is
your turn!</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you are on your own, you
might like to make a list of what brings you joy...</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you are with a partner or
family you may like to share with each other.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Now it is time for our last
hymn:</span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sing Your Faith 98: Love
will guide us.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Love will guide us, peace has
tried us,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">hope inside us will lead the
way</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">on the road from greed to
giving.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Love will guide us through the
hard night.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you cannot sing like
angels,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">if you cannot speak before
thousands,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">you can give from deep within
you.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You can change the world with
your love.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Love will guide us, peace has
tried us,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">hope inside us will lead the
way</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">on the road from greed to
giving.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Love will guide us through the
hard night.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Sally Rogers</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Closing Words</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hold
in your thoughts all that lies in your heart.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Hold in your thoughts all that
gives you joy.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Hold in your thoughts all that
gives you solace and peace.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Amen.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="border-bottom: 1.00pt solid #000000; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: none; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; padding-bottom: 0.07cm; padding-left: 0cm; padding-right: 0cm; padding-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">With very much love to all of
you and hope to “see” you soon, and also to truly “be with you
soon.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">With thanks </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Lindy </span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<br />markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14990211662071237494noreply@blogger.com